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RADIO 



STAGE 




PublUhe* Weekly at 164 We*t 46th at.. ttew Tor*. N- X* br Varieto toft. . Annnali *uba«lpUon. IS. Slngto copies IS. cent* 
Entered *a . aeoond-cIatM mattaf December t2. MM. At the Fort Office at New Tor*,'. N. T. p unde r .the act oC March », 18I». 

COrrmGHT, 1»M, BT VAmiBTT, INC. A1X BIGHTS B»8K»VBD. ^_ , 



Vtt. 114 No. 3 



YORK, TUESDAYj ^APRIL 3, 1934 



64 PAGES 







I' 







to 

When Cmuucatioii fits Break 



Chicago, April t. 

Though the radio -newspaper war 
•till seethes, there are nevertheless 
Instances where transmitters have 
tome to the aid of dallies In times 
of emergency. Last week during 
£he midwest sleet storm of March 
26 and 27 when all communications 
Were disrupted .WLS, the Prairie 
Parmer station, came ta the rescue 
of the Mimcle (Indiana) Press. Be- 
cause of the storm United - Press . 
couldn't get Its regular daily news , 
service through to Mtincle, which 
Was Isolated, U P. called on WLC, 
Which responded by broadcasting a ] 
special ?0- ininiite skeletonized re- r 
port of the day. First made certain 
that i the Press telegraph man was 
tuned Mi by. asking WLS listeners 
to tell the editor that the broad- 
cast would be made. 

This is the second Instance of 
WLS coming to the aid of a newsr 
paper which, through storm bar- 
riers, was unable to get news ser- 
vice over the . regular . wires. On 
March . 2, 1932; the; station, sent a 
special broadcast to United Press 
newspaper clients. In . DeKalb and 
Freeport, Illinois, and in 'belweiri, 
Iowa. On that day the; big news. 
Was the kidnaping 1 of the Charles 
Lindbergh child .and the * Stao- 
Japanese war. This year the big 
stories were the labor arguments, 
wage problems and the presidential 
Veto of the Vets Bill. 



Barbary 



Coast Blah; 
Goldwyn Can't find 
Hotcha of Old Days 



Hollywood,. April 2. 
The Barbary Coast against which 
Samuel Goldwyn intends to shoot 
much of the action for his Gary 
Cooper picture of the same title Is 
but a pale; wan. and senescent 
wraith of the lusty old Coast which 
once was a name across the seven 
seas. 

Robert Melntyre; production chief 
for^ Goldwyn, who went to the Bay 
City to scout locations, reports that 
the elaborate joy spots which were 
Intended to revive .the. street of be- 
dizened honkey tonks are now all 
put empty, with a few beer drinkers 
and idle bartenders sighing in the 
wilderness of sawdust floors. 

Joint proprietors say that 'Barr- 
j»*y. Coast,.' the- fact book- written 
by Herbert Asbury, which Goldwyn 
wwght for its informative, matter,, 
had a great deal to do with the 
Bftuelching of attempts by the Coast 
to stage . a comeback with open 



Nothing New 



Hollywood, April -i. 

A crooner who Is different 
Is .Clarence Orllck, employed 
at ' the Moht-aire club- 'in 
Hollywood. 

Orlick not only croons for 
the guests, but he also' doubles 
as bouncer. 







Europe's Show Biz Good in Spasms, 
Bot Political Tensiot Is Terrific 



Broadway Markedly Strong; 
Both Legit and Picture*-- 
Ditto the Big Keys for 
J*ilm»— -Amusement** Tra- 
ditional *Worst Week' a 
Reversal of Form 



TAME 'BIG BAD WOLF' 




-wide. -sale in 'Frisco— and-, 
wrved to remind old-timers how 
tough and lurid the old street of 
Broggerles and bagnios had been, 
and what a revival might mean. 
Citizenry sicked the cops on, and 
the revival effort went fiooey. 



FOR NRA 



General Hugh S. Johnson and the 
NRA aire mulling a war-time propa- 
ganda drive, via stage and screen, 
to start shortly with the express 
purpose of familiarizing the Amer- 
ican public of just what the Na- 
tional Recovery Administration has 
accomplished thus far. 

Washington savants are discus- 
sing .the modus operandi for propa- 
gandizing and it's generally agreed 
that the screen becomes the most 
effectual means for visual educa- 
tion along these lines. Instead of 
the war-time fund-raising motif, 
the new NRA machinery will be for 
disseminating general information 
and nothing more. 

Some film publicists have already 
been approached to cooperate with 
Washington along these/lines. The 
film industry, cooperated to the ex- 
tent of special NRA trailers; now 
one idea is for a series of shorts. 

It is expected that this vast pub/: 
lic-lnformizing move will get un- 
der way May 1. 



Upsetting all precedent, business 
'fOt Broadway's legit theatres during 
Holy Week, was in some instances 
only slightly affected; but the gross 
:of half a dozen shows actually im- 
proved, while others held to the 
pace of the previous week. Same 

strength and improvement Was 
noted too in the pictures "theatres, 
including the key cities. 

Heretofore the six - days prior to 
Easter have been notoriously bad 
for show business and it. was the 
rule for road' attractions to lay 
off. There are few shows on tour 
yet '.he tone in other amusements 
Was distinctly surprising. Show- 
men say that for- the past 10 years 
Lent inclusive of Holy Week has 
been increasingly less a theatre de- 
terrent. m hat Teaves the week 
prior to Christmas the really big 
bad wolf of show business. 

Double Holiday 

Broadway's good going last week 
was recorded in the face of what 
looked like' sure handicaps. Good 
Friday and Passover were on the 
same date ard even that night was 
much better than anticipated, ticket 
agencies especially holding the 
pace. Drenching rain throughout 
(Continued on page 5T) 



ALFRED CODONA OUT; 
RINGUNG LOOKS BIG 



Alfredo Codona is through as an 
aerialist. That became known when 
the.Ringling show opened at Madi- 
son Square. Garden, N. -Y.v last Fri- 
day (30) ithout the Codona flying 
turn. 

Codona tore the muscles of his 
shoulder last season during' the Gar- 



den (engagement and was forced out. 
It was believed that the injury 
would, heal, but physicians later 
stated complete mending could 

_ _ never be expected. Accident hap- 

^^w^l^^^^^r"^^^ to- -Alfredo^hwTnafctriB his 



§§usatlqns^Jripje somersault in the 
■air to a wrist catch by his brother. 

As an aerial turn the Codonas will 
appear in the Hagenbeck-Wallace 
show, but another flier replaces Al- 
fredo, who remains as manager. His 

(Continued on page 30) 



Angels and Suckers 



Washington, April 
Sterna-faced government of- 
ficals got two good belly- 
laughs last week at expense of 
anvusement industry J 

Hearing nn legit Code became 
uproar when Lawrence LangT 
ner, appealing for provisions 
to reduce cost of productions, 
confessed he has lost so much 
dough he isn't investing any 
more of his owii wad i his 
own plays. He said term angel 
■now has a contemptuous 
meaning 1 and ' that-' - capital - 
takes the view that persons 
investing in the theatre are 
suckers. 

NRA Review Board guffawed 
..wlifn-NirholasJEialiey of Scars- 
dale, N. Y., admitted, he went 
Into exhibition business know- 
ing majors would refuse to 
give him pix. 'I had too much 
money. I didn't know what 
to do with It,' he explained. 



What Liquor Did 



St. Paul, April 2. 
Minnesota rural scene 
has changed considerably , 
since the return of beer and;' 
liquors. - 

Once plastered'- with circus' 
and patent medicine 'posters, 
the barns and silos now carry 
artfully-painted bliirbs' tor 
this and that brand of booze. 

Resultant prosperity for the 
clod-hoprers is evidenced by 
their sudden blossoming out 
in a rash of 1934 -model auto- 
mobiles. 



TALK CAR SHOW 




ON COAST 



Seattle, April 1. 
Four weeks playing time, with six 
Weeks' contract offered to cover 
traveling, is in the offing for stage, 
screen and radio performers on a 
Pacific Coast auto show circuit in 
1935, if the plans of the Seattle 
Automobile Dealers' Association are 
carried out. 

The local association has ap- 
pointed Carl Heussy, its managing- 
secretary, to pay a visit to the as- 
sociations in Los Angeles, San 
Francisco and Portland late this 
summer to broach the proposition 
for the unit shows to cover the 
Coast auto, exhibitions. 

idea is that a better class of tal- 
ent can be engaged with more time 
offered, the various cities to pay 
pro rata according to - population^ 
The shows would open early in 
January, probably in L.A, 

The association figures stage en- 
tertainment of some kind essential 
to bring the public to-see the wares 
that, are for sale. 



BREAD CO. SPONSORS 
POLICE COURT ON AIR 



Denver, April 2. 

Police court is going on the air. 

KLZ will place a mike near the 
judge's bench, and for a half hour 
each day the court Is. open will 
broadcast the troubles of those com- 
ing before- the Jurist It's a com- 
mercial program, being taken by 
Old Homestead Bread company, a 
consistent user of radio. 

Jack Fitzpatrick of KLZ will an- 
nounce the series. The contract 
runs three months. 



Europe is sitting -on a volcano, 
according to John W. Hicks, vice- 
president of Paramount in charge 
of foreign distribution.- Hicks just 
returned from a tour of European 
cities and reports that business Is 
sporadically very good,., but tension 
La terrific and everybody seems 
pitched to a higher nervous strain 

than realized on this- side. 

Political situation,, of. 'Course, to 
blame everywhere. Nazi Germany, 
worried France, and .Fascist Italy 
are all . ready jfor anything, and the 
rest of Europe naturally feels it, 
Spain, he says, has picked up a lot 
and seems coolest of the lot 

England, on vae other handy 
Hicks says, is in very good • shape. 
Conditions in British show biz are 
better than they .have been; in years, 
and grosses are soaring. Some in- 
clination, however, to put up too 
ma^ny theatres, exec feels, there 
being several big deiuxers in the 
process of construction. This may 
overseat the country, but he figures 
the British are careful enough to 
take care of themselves and that 
the big deiuxers will merely dis- 
place older and less necessary 
houses. 

He will go back to Europe early 
in July to look oyer the British and 
Continental situation again, on the 
theory that things there are too 
tricky to be watched from a dis- 
tance for any great length of time. 



Iowan Town Taxes 
Itself for a Band, 
Summer Concerts 



Cresco, la., April 2. 
While tax slashes have been the 
general .rule throughout this sec- 
tion, voters in the spring election 
sanctioned a special' band tax that 
Will be used to support a municipal 
band that will bear the name of the 
town. 

Summer concerts and good- will 
tours principal reasons for the 
band. 



'LYSISTRATA' IN PIX 



Hotcha Greek Comedy Being Read- 
ied By Hal Roach 



Hollywood, April 2. 
Target' of ' censorial , wrath as a 
stage , prog'uitibi, .'Lysistrata! . : is. ., 
now being readied for films. Hal 
Roach studio will produce the 
Comedy as a,. feature using many of 
the contract two-reel players in the 
picture. 

tftrzle' was . staged- here at the 
Carthay Circle three years ago. Its 
run was interrupted by the cops 
who thought .the show was too 
hotcha and raided it . 

Roach has given copies Of the 
comedy to his entire writing staff 
for censor-proof treatment. 



2 



VARIETY 




B'way Producers 
H'wood on Musicals Irk Lew 




.... Hollywood, .April 2. : 

Stage musical?, are a snap, to pro> 
'duce compared to picture musikeri, 
asserts Lew Brown, ..stage and 
producer,, author and corn- 
very seat in a picture house 
is a front row seat,' says Brown. 
'You can never, for instance, hide 
the leading lady's age. On the 
stage, a prima donna can be 40 
and you can even keep it from the 
front row. You put a line like 'J: 
love you' in a picture musical anji 
the audience would laugh. A thea'r 
tre audience will accept it. In pic- 
tures everything must be presented 
in an altogether new way. 

'You can write the same story 20 
times or , more iw your chain of 
stage productions. : In ; pictures 
there have to be different kinds of 
songs, songs that are not riamby r 
pamby but right down to earth. 
There have to be good, concrete 
stories, stories of the people and 
for .the people. Pictures have to 
be meticulously clean.' 

Brown is irked by those Broad- 
way- producers . who do one show a 
year, coming to Hollywood and 
laughing at a busy producer who 
has 60 productions a year to think 
about 1 , . 6:- btorles to set arid"50 pic: 
tures tP cast. 

George White, he mentions,: even 
brought but his own <shorus. -girls. 
Certainly, opines • Brown, there are 
chorines as beautiful, and expe- 
rienced in pictures, out here. And 
anyhow, picture chorines -are 
smarter than stage chorines,- as- 
serts Brown. 



New , Champion 



Hollywood, April. 2. 

A lad apprpaclied Roy Del 
Ruth for ja touch, telling the 
director he'd lost his family in 
the Florida flood and his dough 
In Wall Street. 

Del Ruth looked him over 
and said, 'Aren't you the guy 
who lost his family in the Gal T 
veston flood . and was shell 
shocked in the war?' 

'Gee;' replied, the tramp, 
'ain't I the hard luck guy of 
'--/e world?' and ducked. 




WARNERS' 'BABBITT,' 

Holly wood; April 2. ; 
Warners - are crushing prepara;- 
.tions for a talker jemake of 'Bab- 
bitt,' due to current success' of Sin- 
clair Lewis' "Dodsworth* on Broad- 
way. Niven Busch and Tom Reed 
are to bring the yarn up to date 
from its original period of 16 yearb 
ago.' 

Company is also planning dialog 
remake ' of 'Main Street,* another 
Sinclair Lewig lioyel which 'was 
plcturized by wisher's" in 1923, 

Doug Fairbanks Hakes 
Oiily One for Eng. Co. 



WILL MAHONEY 

The Boston Daily Record. said:-r 
"There are very few In Mr. Ma- 
honey's class when it comes to maki- 
ing the crowd laugh itself to pieces 
This hllari6us s exponent of songs, 
dance, and weird acrobatics is la 
whole show in himself." 

All Communicattohs Direct to 
Will Mahoney 
46Q-80th Street 
Brooklyn, New York 




SCRIPT KINDERGARTEN 



hi?-. 



At Metro Studio For Embryo Sceni- 
ariats— Revues' Dept. 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Metro has gone, for the story 
writing school Idea, in order to 
manufacture scenarists from young 
talent now in other departments. 
Maurice Revnes will be in charge 
of the school arid work ' with' tl-< 
novitiate scribblers' bn'their stbtie|s 
in getting ; them in'to ; shape:' 

While " most of the chances 
graduate into the writing departi-i 
ment will be given ' reader^, with- 
original story ideas" the same pp.- 
portunlty. will also . -be, ' r accordejd. 
prospective "scenarists' Trpm . other 
departments if they, can come forth; 
with a Almdble idea. 



to 



S. N. Behrman Turns Down 
Goldwp i Script Offer 

In view of his taking 'Biography' 
to London, S. N. Behrman -has 
turned down an offer to return tp 
Hollywood to script 'Resurrection;* 
for Sam Goldwyn. 

Behrman leaves soon for London, 
accompanied by Ina Claire who will 
be Jn the English production of 
'Biography' to be produced by Noel 
Coward. 

• Lawrence Olivier will have the 
male lead in the London staging. 




The Associated Press last Thurs- 
day (29) Issued a dispatch stating 
that the Saturday Evening Post, 
Ivamhtt, American Magazine, True 
Story, and some 96 other publica- 
tions bad been banned in "Vienna 
Hollywood, April 2. I'The barring of Variety seems par- 
Revised agreement with London, ticularly rough on the "Viennese, for 
Films Prpductions, Ltd., has Doug- n ow they'll no. , longer be able to 
las Fairbanks' committed to make ascertain the weekly grosses in 
only one picture, tentatively titled Tacoma. 
"Further Adventures of Don Juan', The AP story stated that it was 
before he returns to Hollywood, not known whether these publica- 
This information was divulged here tions had been ruled off on immoral 
by Clarence E. Ericksen, Fairbanks' or political grounds^- If the reason 
* '.had been ungrammatical, 'VARietx 

would undoubtedly have led the list; 
damn it. _ 
*■ Subsequently the Vienna Foreign 
Office explained that the banning 
only governed' newsstand sales, 
hot mail subscriptions. 



Radio Signs Ruth Etting 
To Series of 4 Shorty 

Hollywood, April 2. 

RICO signed up Ruth Etting to 
do four shorts at the Hollywood 
plant starting May 1. 

Also signed Leon Errol for one. 



business manager, who has just re 
turned from England... 
, The Don Juan picture, ■ to be , di 
recte.d' by Alexander, Kprda and 
being scripted by . Fred ••. Lonsdale, 
English playwright, will be approxi 
mately seven weeks In shooting and 
will cost in tire neighborhood of 
$600,000, the highest budget for any 
picture thus far made in England, 
Fairbanks has an option s with 
London Films to do a second picture 
with Douglas Jr., but this, according 
to Erickson, will not be undertaken 
until after Fairbanks Sr*s., return to 



Isabel Jewell Follows 
Tracy in Leaving MG 



Hoot Gibson to Eng. 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Hoot Gibson, who returns here 
from a personal appearance tour oh 
Friday (6), starts late in May for 
England where, he will do one 
picture. 

On his arrival here he is also 
working out a deal to make a series 
of Westerns, for Columbia, 



INDEX 



>**••*••• •■• • • • • v 



Bills 

Burlseque 
Chatter 
Editorial 
Exploitation 

Film Reviews 
Foreign Film News. 
Foreign Show News 
House Reviews 
Inside— 'Legit 
Inside — Music 
Inside — Pictures. 
Inside— Radio 
. Legitimate . . . .......... .53-87 

Letter List.... .......... 62 

Literati. ................. 68 

.— MU SiCHrPTT- TT mi d * irt-K ir » tj46*-47= 

NeW Acts ............... 48 

News from the Dailies ... 60 
Nite Clubs 
Obituary 
Outdoors 
"Pictures 



•»•*•»•••< 



51 
50 
61 
52 
19 

17 

13 
56 
16 
52 
47 
62 
39 



,47 
62 
63 
2-34 

Radio ...... ..it 35-45 

Radio Reports 38 

Talking Shorts 17 

Unit Reviews .' 48 

Vaudeville 48-49 

Women 69 



Hollywood, April 2. 
Isabel Jewell has obtained her re 
America, and then, perhaps, only in I jgage from Metro's five-year con- 
case the United Artists' English tract which had two more years to 



quota requires it. 



Extras Bullish 



Hollywood, April 2. 
Cecil B. DeMille's yen for mobs 
helped boost the extra total for the 
week ending Friday night (30) to 
4,792. DeMille used 360 people for a 
'Cleopatra' set at Paramount, the 
biggest mob in several weeks. 
Best day was Wednesday (28) 



go and will freelance after com 
pleting 'Manhattan Melodrama, 
now In production. 

When Lee Tracy, to whom she 
| is engaged, left Metro, conditions 
were not. to her liking. 



METRO'S BRAZILIAN 
FILM EXPEDmON 



v Bollywood; April .2. 
George ^Seltz*., director, and Harold 
Noice, - South American . ; explorer,- 
leave here ; by. plane Saturday- (7) 
for Manaos, .Brazil, oh a . 7,3.00-mile 
air jaunt, the longest yet attempted 
in the interests of a motion picture. 
Pair go to pick . locations and lay 
the preliminary groundwork for 
Metro's 'Jungle Red Man,' 1 which 
will- be made in Northern. Brazil. 
Plane trip will consume nine days. 

Seitz will return to the studio, in 
about two months to recruit his-cast 
and technical crew which , will also 
make the trip from here by air. 
Camera work' is : expected to start 
on the picture in about five 'months. 



■ Representatives pjf ^all theatre 
•chains operating in « New York met 
jate\ y$$terdajK afternoon' (2) with 
License Commissioner Paul Moss 
on the advisability of easing up the 
ban oh admission into picture 
houses to unaccompanied children. 
Meeting took place at Cdmrhi 
sioner Moss' invitation to the cir- 
cuits. < 

Commissioner Moss, who is a 
brother of B. S. Moss, theatre op- 
erator, is reported as haying made 
the ; suggestion, on the easing up of 
the . qrdinance affecting theatre li-. 

.censing. He figured that kids were 
b'e'ih'g admitted into a "good many 

^theatres in N.' Y. regardless of the 
taw, -and decided to. confer With 
&e 'theatre operators on dropping 
•that, particular rule entirely if -the 
chains would : guarantee extra spe- 
cial ' protective' measures their 
theatres. 

' City • ordinance at present" makes 
it a' misdemeanor ■ for >a -theatre - to. 
■admit , kids under. 16,-: with a con- 
viction on this count , holding .the 
threat of a cancellation of license 
for the guilty theatre. . 

Moss' plan, it is understood, 1$. to 
follow along the lines, of a few other 
key cities in the country,, where 
children are admitted without adult 
accompaniment but where the 
youngsters are especially guarded 
against danger. 

As far as is known, the subject 
of- off-color pictures, and whether 
children would be guarded from 
them, was not brought up the 
meeting yesterday. 



Next Eddie Cantor Pic 
Up to Sheekman, Perrin 



Holly wood, April 2. 

After, eight months of -trying, Ar- 
thur Sheekman and Nat Perrin have 
finally hit on a story suggestion for 
the next Eddie Cantor picture that 
was okay with Sam Goldwyhi 

Cantor Is due here May '1, r 
duction starting' a month -'later. 

Cantor pic tentative title is 
'Treasure Hunt.' Ethel Merman 
goes' opposite the comedian. 

Charlie Tobias and Murray Mefy- 
cher. Will write the songs. 



Brent-WB Patch Up 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Losing his suit against Warners 
have his contract abrogated, 
George Brent has . returned to the 



to 



Warner fold. Differences arose 
when 1,140 days checks were issued I when Brent refused to play In 'Man 



through Central Casting. 



Foy's Beauty Pic 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Bryan Foy's next production will 
be 'Young and Beautiful,' based oh 
women's search for beauty. Pic- 
ture starts in three weeks, Crane 
Wilbur authoring and also direct- 
ing. 

Foy has just completed 'Steriliza- 
tion' with Diane Sinclair and 
Sterling Holloway in the leads. 



Tone Opposite Harlow 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Franchot Tone will be the lead 
with Jean Harlow in '100% Pure' 
which has been in production, at 
Metro four days. 

. ^Ro bert — Montgo mer y. _ originally, 
spotted, but studio agreed to let 
him extend his vacation in the 
east. 



LY0N-RK0 COMPROMISE 

Hollywood, April 2. 
With 'Alien Corn* shelved,. Ben 
Lyon will appear, in one Radio pic- 
ture during the coming year to take 
up actor's committment for the part 
In 'Corn.' 
Lyon is now in the east with Bebe 
jj Daniels for personal appearances. 



dalay.' He has been off the payroll 
four months, but could not work 
elsewhere because of the Warner 
contract; 

Studio is to have full authority 
in picking parts for him, Under the 
settlement. 

•Roadhouse,' yarn by Arthur Sdm- 
ers Roche, is what the dove of peace 
laid on Brent's doorstep as his next 
starring vehicle for Warners, fol- 
lowing composure of their difficul- 
ties. 



Busy Bess Meredyth 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Bess Meredyth at 20th Century 
after turning in four treatments in 
a row is now ■ assigned the con- 
tinuity on 'Barnum,' in which Darryl 
Zanuck hopes to star Wallace Beery 
on loan from Metro, . .-. . .. 

Gene Fowler is handling the 
dialog. 

Miss Sullivan's 'Angel' 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Melville Baker has checked In at 
.Universal tp write screen play of 
Melcholr Lengyel's 'Angel,' next 
starring assignment for Margaret 
Sullavan. 

John Stahl will produce and 
direct. 



Chodorov WB Supe 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Increasing its supervisor ranks, 
Warners has given a supe berth to 
Edward Chodorov, a writer on the 
lot for the past year; Hal ' Wallis 
made the appointment. 

First task for Chodorov is to 
handle 'Border Town,' novel by 
Carroll Graham, which studio, has 
just bought. Paul Muni will star 
•Ben Markson gets the job of adapt- 
ing the book. 

Graham goes on the WB payroll 
as a writer. 



Howard Green Signed 
For Par After Vacash 



.Hollywood, April. 2! 
Before leaving for New York oh a 
five weeks vacation with'' his wife, 
Howard J, Green was set to return* 
to Paramount! writing staff when 
he gets .back. 

Scenarist left Thursday (29) on, 
completion of the script of 'Thank, 
four Stars' ('Nee Great Magoo'). 
for Al Lewis (Par.) production. 



U Buys Phoney Auction 
Yarn for Joan BlondeO 



Hollywood, April. 2. 

T'll Sell Anything', a yarn con- . 
cernlng the phoney auction racket, 
has been sold to Warners by Albert 
J. Cohen, ex-head of the Universal 
scenario department and Robert T. 
Shannon, , mag writer and one-time 
city editor of the Kansas City Star. 

Warners to make it a co-starrer 
for Joan Blondell and Pat O'Brien^ 
with Sam Bischoff producing. 



Jolson Scrams West 



Par Sets Scripters 

Hollywood, April. 2 
John MtDermott is at Paramount 
collaborating with Walter De Leon 
on 'Here's Your Quarterback,* foot 
ball film to be produced by Louis' 
D. Lighton. 

Philip MacDonald, novelist, has 
checked in at the same lot to work 
on the script of his own story, 'Dim 
Faces,* for Arthur Hornblow, jr., 
production. 



Al Jolson concludes on Kraft 
Phenix NBC cPmmefcial Thursday 
night (12) and hies to the coast and 
Ruby Keeler the following day. 

They return to their Scarsdalc, 
1^. Y. house in. the summer. 



Re-Star Ruggles-Boland 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Paramount will again co-star 
Charles Ruggles and Mary Boland. 
Newest is 'Debutante,' an original 

by-RaipH^SpeTOer :=: ^^^ :i ^ i= ^^ 
Juiien Josephson is writing the 
screen play. 



FOX TIES HAMMERAS, AMES 

Hollywood, Aprli 2.. 

Ralph Hammeras, Fox expert on 
process photogi'aphy, is set for an- 
other year with a new pact becom- 
ing effective April 29. 

Rosemary Ames' option also 
taken up for another six months' 
period. 



SAILINGS 

April 5 (New York to. London), 
Arch Selwyn, H. B. Franklin, Fanr 
nie Holtzman, : Percy Philllpson 
(Berengaria). 

April 4 (Paris to New York) 
Frank La Grande (Majestic). 

April 3 (New York to London). 

Jed Harris (Champlain). 

March 31 (Bermuda Cruise) Mr. 
and Mrs. Harry Lang, Louise 
Squires (Rotterdam). 

March 31 (New York to Buenos 
Aires) Arturo Mom (Western 
World). 

March 31 (N. Y. to Rome) Carl 
Mlll.iken (Rex). 



March 31 (New York Id Lond6n), 
Tallulah Bankhead, Edna Best 
(Bremen). . 

March 30 (West Indies cruise) 
Otto : Harbach ahd family, Leonard 
Nasoh' (Reliance). — 
March 29 (Kcw York to London). 
Lee Shubcrt, J. J. ShuT.oi-t, Jr.. 
Charles Morrison, Max Gordon, Fer- 
dinand Bruckner (Olympic)- 

March 29 (London to Xi'W V<'ilO 
Mr.' & Mrs. Irving Mills, Irwin^ i'-'isb 
(Washington). 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



PICTIRES 



VARIETY 






EXTRA LIST 
TO 1,500 



Hollywood. April 2. 
Ohly 1>500 names will be allowed 
on the flrst list of extras to be 
okayed by the Code Standing Com- 
mittee on Extras, which has the 
task of re-classifying and re-regis- 
tering the more than 17,000 names 
on the roster at Central Casting bu- 
reau. 

Reducing the number to 1,500 is 
in -order to guarantee steady work. 

Plan arrived at by the committee 
Is to get from- Central and from the 
studio names of all extras now do- 
ing atmosphere in Alms. From this 
list 3,000 will be chosen as pros- 
pective eligibles. Investigation will 
then be made of every person and 
the. number brought down to i,600 
for re -classification as permanents. 

It has also been decided to allow 
20% increase of additional 
names during the first year and 6% 
the following year. 



Sue Miller Remembered 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Maxine Elliott and Lady Forbes-' 
Robertson are beneficiaries under 
the will of Susanne Perry Miller, 
actress, who died here March 10. 

Miss Elliott was left $5,000, and 
Lady Forbes-Robertson $3,500, be- 
cause they advanced the deceased 
sums of money when she was In 
need during her lifetime, 



H'wood Agents Get 
Brief Grace for 
License Renewals 



HG DRAMA STUDENTS 
GET BREAKS IN TOUR' 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Metro will use all dramatic stu- 
dents of the Oliver Hinsdale school 
for minor parts and bits in 'Student 
Tour,' which' Monta Bell produces 
with Chuck Reisnsr directing, 
jimmy Durante and Charles Butter- 
worth will have top spots. 

Hinsdale has been tutoring young- 
group of Metro stock players, in 
addition to a number of outsiders 
who were tabbed a- possible can- 
didates for the Metro list. Metro 
will give both contract, and non- 
contract students spots in the pic- 
ture. 



Hires 3; Fires 2 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Paramount added three writers 
nd dropped two over the week-end. 

Julien Josephson goes onto the 
lot to - write dialog for 'Debutante,' 
the Douglas MacLean production; 
Chandler Sprague will do .a similar 
job on 'Menace,' to be produced by 
Bayard Veiller, and Lynn. Starling 
was engaged to work with Harry 
r. iskin on '52 Weeks for Fleurette/ 

Off the payroll on finishing their 
assignments are Frank M. Dazey, 
who was working on '01d-"Fashioned 
Way,* formerly 'Grease Paint,' for 
W. C. Fields, and Garrett: Fort, who 
was dialoging 'Private Scandal' for 
^havles R, Roger 



1935 'Gold Diggers' Due 



Di 



'Gold 
will 



Dorothy Stickney East 

Hollywood* April 2. 
Dorothy Stickney left here Sun 
day (1) for New York, on finishing 
her part in Pafamount's 'Murder, at 
the Vanities.' 
■'She will join her husband, Howard 
Lindsay, and accompany him to 
London where he Will put on his 
play 'She Loves Me Not,' current 
in, Now York. Lindsay directed as 
j^-Avuii.Was=^.uU?.o.>-ing» — T ,..- r — ; r .._i-— 



Louise Lattimer's First 

Hollywood, April 2. 
■I'nivprsal has given, a . contract, to 
t.ouise Lai tinier, from the New 
Vorlc stage, and will use her first in 
'I Give My Love,' actress arrived 
h. In. Saturday (31). 

I'iclure. has \Vynne Gibson in top 
'■•nuiie part. 



Hollywood, April 2. 

While today (2) is official date for 
renewal of picture agents' licenses, 
to embrace the. new operating rules 
promulgated by the' California State 
Labor Commission and representa- 
tives of the 10%ers for the ensuing 
year, actual compliance on new con-, 
tract forms will not become effec- 
tive until Commissioner Joseph J. 
Greem has affixed his okay v to the 
regulatory order. 

Deputy Commissioner Thomas 
Barker and Attorney Charles 
Lowy of the L. A-. office, through 
whom the regulatory provisions will 
he supervised and enforced, expect 
the authorization of the hew rules 
and regulations- from San Francisco 
early this week. Copy was t for- 
warded by Barker moire than a week 
ago. 

Practically all agencies supply 
studios with talent, have put In 
their applications for license re- 
newal, and have endorsed the pro- 
visions, designed to insure more 
equitable dealings between artists 
and their reps. 




Par-Warner Jam-Up with 
Other Studios Also Inter- 
ested— Wampas Smell Chi 
Fair and Radio Coin for 
1934'* Wampas Babes 



$1,000 BONUS 



PAR INTENSIVELY 

SCOUTING TALENT 



Paramount is spreading out Its 
talent testing staff, Oscar Serlin 
currently in Chicago to look* over 
talent in that territory. Eddie Blatt 
carries on in New York. 

Department in New Tork now 
consists of seven people, with test 
shooting by Blatt two full days a 
week. Serlin hunts up most of the 
talent and now that he has seen 
about everybody available In New 
York proper is making excursions 
to various sections of the country 
for look-sees. 



MG's Busy Option Day 



( Hollywood, April "2. 

Metro went overboard Saturday 
(31) in picking up options on exist- 
ing contracts. 

W. -S. Van Dyke went under the 
wire for an extended . period of six 
months, as director; Karen Morley 
stays, for a like time, and will next 
get 'Shining Hour*; May Robson, 
ditto, and an assignment for 'No, 
More Ladles; Maureen O'SuHivan 
gets a. like period, and same for 
Louis. Waller, writer. 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Wampas plans to take its. 13. 
newly elected baby stars on a 
ballyhoo train jaunt into the. middle 
west, probably Chicago, , and stage 
a frolic* that would parallel the 
presentation of Its 1924 slate, when 
the p a. organization transferred its 
starlets to San Francisco. 

Press agents figure that they can 
make more dough out Of a shindig 
in . a spot remote from Hollywood, 
especially in view of the producer 
opposition to the. starlet picking 
this year, which has the Organiza- 
tion ignoring all .girls, under con- 
tract to studios In its selections. 

Meantime the Wampas are ac-' 
bused of two-timing Warner. Bros.- 
Flrst National, who . presumed they 
had a deal to,, use the 13 baby stars 
in 'Dames/ girls .doing a Busby 
Berkeley number for which Wam- 
pas were to get $2,600 and pay the 
girls. Deal provided for two weeks 
of the girls' time. 

Wampas was to have signed con- 
tract Monday afternoon. Monday 
morning William Koenlg, executive 
studio business manager, received 
a Wire that the deal was off. At 11 
a.m. the same, morning Wampas 
signed a deal with Paramount 
whereby the girls appear In B. P. 
Schulberg's picture, "Kiss and Make 
Up,' which is story of a beauty par- 
lor. Paramount deal calls for $50 
a Week and a two-week guarantee 
to girls. "Thfc Wampas get $1,000 
bonus. It provides that the girls 
play a bit in the picture, getting 
(Continued on page 42) 



PURELY CHINESE 

Harold Lloyd Careful of Dialects In 

Hi* 'Cat'. Paw- 



Gloria Swanson East 



Hollywood, April. 2. 
Gloria Swanson leaves for New 
York tonight (Monday) to look over 
material she might use for a possi- 
ble personal appearance tour in key 
cities of the east and middle west. 

Player is not due to start her first 
picture for. Metro, a talker remake 
of linor Glyn's 'Three Weeks,' un- 
til summer. 



Albuquerque Indian 
Kicks Cause Ban on 
Autograph Seekers 



Albuquerque, April 2, 
Film people have taken to hiding 
in their Pullmans during the Chiefs 
16-minute stopover, here, so Albu- 
querque has put a ban on autograph 
collectors plying -their trade ■ in the 
station. 

Increasing' mob of local autograph 
seekers, who turned out in full 
force to meet all coast-to-coast 
trains, it was thought, kept celebs 
from taking their customary walk 
when the train stopped. ... 

The Indians selling curios to ! the 
passengers were complaining that 
business was bad. Palefaces didn't 
get off any . more while the "engines 
were switched. Nearby stores added 
their walls to those of the Indians^ 
So did other residents . of this town, 
which has always made a pastime 
of meeting trains. 

Result, no autograph books can 
be flashed on the unsuspecting pic- 
ture and other notables. The town 
hopes the passengers will soon, get 
wise to this, and again step off the 
coaches for their constitutionals 
and to buy curios and fruit- and 
give the -residents a flash at their 
physogs. 

Autograph hunters have, been 
bootlegging their books around late>- 
ly, via depot, officials to get the 
autographs for them, or asking 
other passengers to approach the 
celebs for signatures. 



MAE TALKS OF 
PARK AVE AND 
CENSORSHIP 



Beahans' Divorce Suit 



Third Tarzan' for 

Weismuller-O'Sullivan 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Metro, with 'Tarzan and His 
Mate* not yet released, is planning a 
third Tarzan picture with Johnny 
Weismuller and Maureen O' Sullivan, 
paired, if the present one clicks. 

Miss O'Sullivan goes into 'Bar- 
retts of Wimpolo Street,' and 'The 
Thin Man.' and then takes a trip to 
Ireland. Studio, hopes to have the 
ihird.-of^thcseries-repdy^upon^her- 
return. 



Hollywood, April 2 
Considering commercial expedi 
ency and the good will of the 
Chinese government, Harold Lloyd 
is using both Cantonese and Man 
darln dialects In his picture 'Cat's 
Paw.' 

Producer wanted to please the 
80% of Celestials outside of China 
who speak ihe vernacular Can- 
tonese, and at the same time to 
.meet the wishes of the Pekin gov- 
ernment that the. more courtly Man- 
darin be used In all imported films. 
By agreement with Vice-Consul Yi- 
se.ng S. Kia.ng here, it was arranged 
that the state language be used in 
the episodes showing. Lloyd in 
China, and Cantonese in the' se- 
quences with American setting. 

Dr.. Lew Chee, . Chinese physician, 
arid linguist, is coaching Lloyd and 
other principals on the set. 

Lloyd Is taking no chances of 
repetition of an outbreak against 
his 'Welcome Danger/ when Shang- 
hai riots, resulted from "what the 
Chinese regarded as insults jn that 
picture. 



Gersdorf Heads Wampas 

Hollywood.- April 2. 
| Voting off a tie in a previous 
! election, Phil Gersdorf, p.a. for Sam 
J Goldwyn here, was elected prez of 
the "Wampas over Sain W. P.. Cohn. 



i Hal Roach publicist. 
| Result wa-s A") to ::: 



Gorsdorf. 



fugitive' Sequel 



Hollywood. April 2. 

Brown Holmes Is writing an orlg 
-inaWaWWamers--M J ^^<MJ^^o.-JJL 
Am a Fugitive.* 

Title is 'The Fugitive Returns.' 
It will serve as a starrer for Paul 
Muni. 



Los Angeles, April 2. 

Charging cruel and inhuman 
treatment, Sidney Fox Beahan filed 
suit for divorce in Superior court 
Friday (30) against Charles Beahan. 
A few hours earlier, the Beahans 
were sued in Municipal court for 
alleged failure. to pay a $176.62 hotel 
bill to the LaQuinta hotel, said to 
have, been contracted from Feb. 6 
to 11, last. 

Miss Fox's divorce action accuses 
her husband of Interfering with her 
picture career; characterizes the 
husband as surly and antagonistic, 
and charges, that he . has compelled 
her to remain in New York so that 
she is unable to accept screen offers 
here. Couple 'were, married in New. 
York, Dec. 14, 1932, and separated 
Feb. 18 of this year. There are no 
children. 



Hollywood,. April 2. 

Mae West makes lowbrow pic- 
tures for highbrow people. . She has 
ascertained that her pictures appeal 
primarily to the Park avenue-Pasa- 
dena crowd. • When she writes her 
stories and enacts the stellar roles 
in them; when she sways her hips 
and gives out that 'come up and see, 
me some time* line, she's playing 
directly for highbrow consumers- 'of' 
the product. , 

Kyen in her troubled days In 
New York, Park avenue took her 
up, sez Mae, and when she did a 
Greeley, she f bund Pasadena society 
felt the same way about her as 
Park avenue. 

As regards Hollywood ys. Broad- 
way, 'on- the stage, it was worry; 
worry all the time. Suppose my 
leading, man were to take .sick for 
tonight's performance? I was never 
sure of anything from one day to 
another.' But in films, 'you give one 
performance, . just one, before the 
camera and the rest of several thou- 
sand performances take care of 
themselves.. Why* in pictures, you 
don't even have to worry, about, cen- 
sorship — much- — once you learn the 
rules, Here they tell you what not 
ito do' before you do it. In New 
York they let you go ahead and do 
It and then break in. and arrest you.' 



20TH CENTURY AND AL 
WOODS' PLAY PRODS. 



Twentieth Century and Al Woods 
will produce 'The Red Cat,' a legit 
play- by Rudolph Lothar and Hans 
Adler. It will be the first legit play 
produced openly and admittedly by 
a picture company With the film 
company taking program billing as 
producers. 

Starts casting and into rehearsal 
Immediately. 

Twentieth Century wants to pro- 
duce other plays also, but Is not 
tied up with Woods for more than 
the one play. Wanted to produce 
it and found that Woods had the 
rights, therefore the tieup.. In 
future. T.C. may set up a producing 
organization on its own (via Rufus 
Le Maire) or tie in with other legit 
producers where and when possible. 



Freckled Wesley Barry 
Coming Back to Pix 

Hollywood, April 2. 
. Freckled Wesley Barry is due on 
the screen again, after three years 
absence, in the Ann Harding pic- 
ture, 'Virgie Winters,' at RKO. 

Other cast additions for the Pan- 
dro :Berman production are Molly 
ODay. and Edwin Stanley. Al 
Sahtell will direct. 



Max Wants Lupe 



Lupe Velez is being sought to 
take the place of Lyda Robert! in 
the Max Gordon legit piece, 'Ro- 
berta,' so that the present star, who 
has been feeling ill lately; can take 
a, rest and probably wind up her 
obligations with Paramount before 
doing anything else. 
• Under contract to Par as a 
tured player, Miss. Roberti has one 
more to make for this company. 



Hoy t in 'Sour Grapes' 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Arthur Hoyt has been- set in the 
Diana Wynyard-Clivc Rrook picture, 

^'pfmr^;raT^s'^rt"^KTro v " 



Worthington Minor megs. 



Garbo's 'Hour' Next 

Metro has practically decided on 
'Shining Hour,' by Keith Wihter. 
Max Gordon's play still running at 
the Booth, N. Y., for Garlio's n<*xt. 

Price is quoted at $22.. r .0O. 



MOSS HART'S ORIG. TO MG 

Hollywood, April 2. 
-Moss Hart's original story, 'Miss 
Pamela Thorndyke,' has been sold 
to Metro through the William 
Morris agency. 

Writer svas formerly 
•arlee< 



Jo Hutchinson's Pact 
With WB Is Part-Time 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Warner Brothers has put Jose- 
phine Hutchinson, who plays leads, 
with Eva Le Galllenne's Civic 
Repertory in --3*. Y., under contract. 

Calls that Miss Hutchinson works 
only during the summer, the bal- 
ance of the season with Le GaN 
llcnne. 



Dupont's Initialer 

Hollywood; Api'il 2. 

l«'Ji\st -ruegging., assignment at Me- 
tro for K — A.. Imponl. former Ufa 
director. Is likely to be 'My Broth- 
f»r'.i M'ifc,' for which he is. now pen- 
ciled in. 

Film to In* produced by Larry 
'Wei limn len, was written by Wein- 
aarti'n\s f distant', Corn-go Aucrbach. 



TaesdAj, April 3, 1934 



Although Producers Now Operate 
Fewer Theatres, Indie Houses 
Are So Grouped Its Easier to Sell 



Filmdom this season is entering 
what major theatre leaders are call- 
ing a paradoxical , sales year. De- 
spite the fact that there are, more 
independent theatres than ever and 
fewer producer-controlled box of- 
fices, sales are shaping up as easier 
for , 34- , 35, and! no great army of 
salesmen to contact' them may be 
necessary, 

Looking over industry charts, the 
overseers propound'a comparatively 
simple picture from figures and con- 
ditions which at first seem more 
complicated and perplexing than on 
the eve of. the usual sales new year. 

First of all, although producers 
have cut down their theatre hold- 
ings from a high of 2,600 to approxi- 
mately 900, the decline in their mar- 
ket for the distributor is reckoned 
at not over 20%. In other words, 
the producers are now in possession 
of their best theatres, holding onto 
these even during; the receiverships 
'n' everything. 

This means that producer-con- 
trolled theatres today represent 
about 25% of the American sales 
market and,, that the weeding out of 
some 1,600 theatres represented only 
an additional 26 %» bringing the 
totality of directly controlled cir 
cult intake ur to not over 50% in 
the biggest times of. producer- 
distrlb-exhib expansion. 

These percentages, it is empha- 
sized, are general and not confined 
to individual circuits, some of which 
in themselves represent a much 
higher percentage. 

The analysis next turns to the 
14,000 theatres reported now to be 
in operation. With only 900 of 
these directly producer-owned, it 
would at first seem that all major 
companies would be forced to en 
large their sales forces in order to 
tell their new product story and 
submit contracts to the remaining 
13,100 generally classified as inde 
pendents. 

But the b.o. math students est! 
mate that 6,000 of the most impor- 
tant lighted theatres are bunched 
into circuit category. This eimpli 
fies the sales . problem, since .7,600 
accounts are reckoned a good aver 
age by the largest distributors. This 
would make contact on an individual 
basis necessary with only about 
1,500 theatres. 



Zion Myers to RKO 

Hollywood, April 2. 
ion Myers, Columbia supervisor, 
leaves that lot this week to Join 
RKO as associate producer and 
executive aid to Pahdro S. Bermiah. 

Myers will produce two pictures 
immediately. 




RKO TAKING ON 
ROWLAND AS 
N. Y. REP 



Hollywood, April 2, 
RKO. expects to sign a contract 
today (2) with Richard A. Rowland 
to be New York liaison for the stu 
did on ptory, new talent* and execu 
tive affairs. ' Rowland Is set to leave 
for his new post the end of this 
week. Asp' hitting east at the same 
time will he Jules Levy, who Is re 
turning to the home office after two 
weeks, of new product conference at 
the studio. 

Levy stops .off at key towns on 
return trip and is due in New York 
about. April 161 



ROSE PERFECT 

Just finished sixth return at the 
London Palladium. 

Now touring for G. T. and 
Moss Empires. 

The Stage, March 22, at Palla- 
dium: 'That charming songstress, 
Rose Perfect, follows, and is in ex- 
cellent voice . . . She is a striking 
figure In white costume.' 
Address, care of Variety, London, 



Par Specials Delilah' 

Hollywood, April 2, 
Paramount will program 'Samson 
and Delilah' as a special f or release 
on the 1934-35 schedule. . 
Picture will be produced by Cecil 
, De Mille and will co-Btar Miriam 
Hopkins and Herbert WUcoxon. 

ROXY ASKS FOX 
TO CUT FILM 







ACAD. INTER-BRANCH 
ACTIVITY FORMULATED 





> 



By an 11-Point 





Following adverse results recently! 
with house divmg into ttw re^ Roxy. | j^^^"^ Industry! 



An IX- point platform of eelf- 
dlscfpllne working in ; conjunction 
with the' production moral eode is 
revealed in detail by the Hays or- 
ganization. . Simultaneously, as 
though to disprove various charges; 
of laxity during 1938 as inspiring 
current censorship activities, the 
Hays office has prepared a table 
showing that in addition to reject- 
ing 160 story proposals, the codl.sts 
also nixed some 1,200 various an- 
gles in scripts and . story treatments. 
[ The strengthened machinery, to 
guard further against, objectionable 
slips and bad public' reactions, now 
puts 'every picture produced by W 
member company through. ;the fol- 
lowing paces: . , 

1. Consideration and registration, 
of titles offered for pictures in or- 
der to avoid the double meaning, 
suggestive or otherwise unsuitable. 

2. Preliminary surveys of film 
production possibilities of plays, 
hooks or stories from the standpoint 
of the publio commitments under- 



GOLDSTONE STARTS 
20,000 LEAGUES' Q. T. 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Fear- that some other producer 
>vould steal his idea caused Phil 
Goldstone to start production on 
his '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' 
in secret. Film has been shooting 
over a week, Goldstone figuring this 
would give him a sufficient jump 
on other producers to stop their 
cutting in ahead. 

The Jules Verne story is in public 
domain, and can be produced by 
anybody. Goldstone, who. has been 
away from pictures' recovering his 
health the last three months, eays 
he has a major release for the 
picture. 

"With Otis Garrett, in charge; com-, 
pany. has been wor ing at Catalina 
Island filming underrwater se- 
quences. After four weeks making 
fish' footage,, cast will, be picked and 
the non-technical part of the film 
Started. 

wenty housand Leagues' was 
rpduced by. Universal in 1916. 



Hollywood, April 2. 
. Inter-branch activity of . the 
Academy of Motion Picture Arts 
and Sciences swung into high last 

week when Producers' Branch 
Executive Committee met with rep- 
resentatives of the Actor, Tech- 
nician and Assistant Director 
groups for resuming various func- 
tions and negotiations which were 
temporarily halted last fall by the 
code headaches. 

Producers' first met with the 
Assistant Directors to start nego 
tlations for ironing put working con- 
ditions .for first assistants. Com- 
mittees were appointed to go . into 
the matter In detail with Louis B 
Mayer, chairman of the producer 
.group, which also includes Sam 
Briskin, Jack Gain, William Koehig 
and Fred Pelton. Assistant directors 
committee comprises Scott Beal, 
Sid Brod, Gordon Holllngshead, Les 
Selander and Charles Stallings. 

The producer committee then 
moved in for resumption of discus 
sloris with actor branch group on 
practical operation ■ Of • the Actor* 
Producer Basic Agreement and 
other pacts for the piayers. Fur 
ther discussions will be handled by 
a special committee to be appointed, 
with Henry Herzbrun, chairman, for 
the producer group, and Lionel At 
will for the actors. 

Final meeting was between the 
Producers and Technicians Branch 
executive committee, to outline 
plans for immediate revival of the 
technical and research councils of 
the Academy. Another get-to- 
gether was slated to be held tonight 
(Mon.). 



DOVE OF PEACE IS A 
TOST' FOR MPTOA C0NV 



Defer Par N. E. Confab 



Most of the speeches in open con- 
vention are slated to be general and 
not to warrant, any heckling. 

It is figured that 1,000 will visit 
the Hollywood conclave. 



FELD'S 0. 0. 

Milt Feld,< president of Monarch 
Theatres, is on an inspection tour 
of various properties for expansion 
purposes. 



A Paramount theatre conference 
in New England, at which Martin 
j. Mullin Is reported the candidate 
for e lectio n., to the partnership ad 



vlsory board of six which is being 
set up, will not be held at this time. 
It has been decided to defer the 
N. E. meeting until reorganization 
Steps up there looking toward a dis- 
charge of receiverships have been 
advanced further. ' 

Those so far elected to the ad- 
visory partners board are E. V. 
Richards, A. H. T31ank, N. L. 
Nathanson arid Karl Hoblitzolle. 
Two more are required to fill out 
the intended membership of six. 



Los Angeles, April 2. 
Entertainment program for the 
MPTOA delegates during their 
three- day convention here . next 
week (10-12) is complete with the 
exception of the afternoon of ThurB 
day (closing day), which is expected 
to be set in the' next few days, 

Program, as lined up by Ben 
N. Berlnstein, general convention 
chairman, follows: 

Tuesday, April J.0 — Afternoon at 
Warner .Bros.' Burbank studios, 
where a complete floor show will 
follow luncheon and tour of studio. 

Night— Old-fashioned dance and 
buffet lunch at Universal City. 

Wednesday (11) Atternoon^-Tour 
of the RKO and Fox studios. 

Night— Metro $tudio blowoff, in- 
cluding" studio tour, personals by 
stars, and refreshment*. 

Thursday (12) Afternoon— Para- 
mount studio tour. 

Night — Annual MPTOA banquet 
at Hotel Ambassador, with 13 re- 
cently designated. Wampas. Baby 
Stars appearing and being intro- 
duced. 

The convention proper will be 
preceded* night of Monday, April 9, 
by. ah executive session of the board 
of directors, at which time officers 
ifor the ensuing year Will be named 
Exhibs in Monday 
Exhibs will arrive here on Mon- 
day and Tuesday, with several 
trains over the Southern Pacific and 
Rock Island lines converging at El 
Paso on the morning of Sunday, 
April 8, and skedded to arrive here 
at. 9:46 Monday morning. 

Union Pacific will operate one 
train but of Chicago, headed by 
Jack Miller, which will be routed 
via Boulder Dam, and arrive here 
on the morning of the 10th. 

Train's coming via the S. P. will 
carry the New York, Chicago, New 
Orleans and Washington delega- 
tions,' with pickups from other 
southeastern towns along the way 
Committees named for the get 
together by President Ed Kuyken 
dall, in whose hands will rest most 
of the business' transacted at the 
convention, include.: 

Credentials and Rules— M. E. 
Comerford, Scranton, Pa., chair 
man; James J. MeGuInness, Bos 
ton; Benjamin Pitts, Richmond, 
Va.; Charles E. Williams, Omaha; 
A. F. Baker, Kansas City, Kas 

Resolutions — Edward G. Levy, 
New Haven, chairman; Oscar C. 
Lam, Rome, Ga.; Edward M.. Fay, 
Providence; Harry H. Hicks, Los 
Angeles; M. A. Lightman, Memphis^ 
Grievance— Lewin PizOr, Philadel 

'P.hi*'..-. 0 ^^??*?^-. .Nat^M^ ^ ll l* ams > 

'Mlcliaelr 



N. Y., has made .application to Fox 
Film ' tor a reduction* In . -rentals. 
Meanwhile, house is holding up 
playdatlng of pfctures from this dis- 
tributor. House, under this year's 
contract, has 12 more to play. 

Boxy is reported, to have gained 
a rental cut from Universal on 
three pictures from this company 
which are -set to come lh. House 
also stepped out to buy one from 
Warner Bros., Ruth Chatterton's 
'Journal of a Crime,' which will 
come in. some time this month. 

Walter Reade, who purchased a 
few Fox pictures recently, has taken 
another for his May fair, 'I Believe 
in You.' 



IATSE AMENDED ACTION 
AGAINST IBEW ON FILE 



Los Angeles, April 2. 
Second amended complaint in the 
$31,000,000 conspiracy damage suit 
by IATSE, Local 87, against the 
IBEW, Local 40, the Producers As- 
sociation and numerous major 
studio heads, brings the action a 
step nearer to trial in Superior 
Court. 

Charging more specific conspir- 
acy acts against certain defendants 
accused of discrimination v against 
IATSE union memoers, in violation 
both of inter-union jurisdictional 



8. Story conferences with studio , 
executives during initial plans of 
production. 

4. Careful examination of scripts 
submitted by producing companies 
in order that advice might be given 
as to the avoidance of objectionable 
elements. 

6. Scenario conferences to effect 
necessary changes in scripts in acr 
cordance with the standards set up 
in the Motion Picture Production 
Code. 

6. Conferences during production. 

7. Previewing of separate film 
sequences during progress of pro- 
duction. 

8. Preliminary preview of pic- 
ture before it is edited into final 
form. '•■ 

. 9. Preview pf finally completed! 
picture.. ,.;< 

10. Notification, when necessary^ 
to offending studios of such scenes, . 
sequences, dialog or action as should, 
be deleted from the finally com- 
pleted picture. 

11. »Final approval of picture. 



FILM CENSORSHIP 
TRUCE IN CHICAGO 



Chicago, April 2. 
Motion, picture Industry locally 
and Mayor Edward Kelly have de- 



pact and the ruling of the National clared a truce la the censorship 
Labor Board following the studio 
strike of last August, the amended 
complaint is designed to bring out 
final demurrers on grounds of in- 
sufficiency. 

These .final defensive maneuvers, 
are expected to clear the decks for 
trial, general demurrers against the 
basic complaint having Already 
been denied by the courts. 



DEMBOW REPRESENTING 
CHAINS AT MPTOA C0NV. 



With proxy of Col. Ed Schiller 
in his pocket, Sam Dembow, Jr. 
leaves tomorrow (Wednesday) for 
the Coast to attend the MPTOA 
convention, representing the af- 
filiated theatres. Col. Schiller, 111 
for some time, Is in Florida. 

While on the Coast, Dembow will 
schedule Paramount studio people 
for personal appearances. 



battle, while His Honor ducks out. 
of town for a bit of vacash. In^ 
dustry through Henry Herbel, presi- 
dent of the Film Board of Trade, 
promised Mayor. Kelly that they 
would lay low and kick up no ruc- 
tions In the newspapers, radio or, 
club meetings or. any other manner 
of . propaganda while he was away. 

On this promise JKelly is due back 
late this week when he will get to- 
gether with the Film Board on an 
amicable adjustment of the censor- 
ship problem. Understood that the 
meeting will result in an alleviation 
of the censorship stranglehold and 
yet continue police supervision over 
pictures i and newsreelsV 



WB SHUTTERS B'KLYN 
STUDIO FOR 5 WEEKS 



ThomasvJlle, Ga. ; JT^H*. 
Buffalo; H. W. Harvey, San Fran 
Cisco;' Sidney Lust, Washington, 
D. C. 

NRA Code Trade Practices — Fred 
S. Meyer, Milwaukee, chairman; R. 
M. Clark, Oklahoma City; R. B. 
Wllby, Atlanta; Edwin Silverman, 
Chicago; George P. Aarons, Phila- 
delphia; L. A. Hamm, Sart Fran- 
cJsoo. 

NRA Code Labor Provisions- 
Jack Miller, Chicago, chairman; 



SHAW AND IEE INITIALEE 

Hollywood, April 2. 
First two reel film musical at 
Metro starring Shaw and Lee goes 
into production this week. Jack 
Cummlngs producing. 

Team was signed by Metro in the 
east several weeks ago for the one, 
with company holding option for a 
series and a contract for the come- 
dians to slide : into features, if 
clicking. 

George Fisher, Milwaukee^ Morgan 
A. Walsh," ""San "Francisco;' "I*." B. 
Harrell, Atlanta; Louis Ansell/New 
York. 

Legislation and Taxation — M. A. 
Lightman, chairman ;.' M, E. Comer- 
ford; R. B. Wilby; W. H. Lollier, 
•Lob Angeles. 

Public Relations and Community 
Affairs — Fred 'Wehrenberg, St. 
Louis, chairman; Nat M. Williams; 
W. L. Ainsworth, Fond Du Lac, 
Wis.; W. S. Butterfleld, Detroit; 
Sidney Lust. 



Warner Bros, closed down its 
Vitaphone Brooklyn studio Satur- 
day (31) after completing this sea- 
son's program. Plant wll be locked 
up for five weeks before starting on 
product for 1934-'35. Possibility is 
the output will be increased above 
the 140 turned out this. year. 

Roy Mack, in charge of the Vita 
Brooklyn factory under Sam Sax, is 
leaving for the Coast today (Tues- 
day) to produce musicals at the 
Burbank plant in colors. Lee 
Stewart, casting director on shorts 
In the east, Jumped in his car Sat- 
urday (31) for a vacation south 
i while-,the i plant^s^shut,jio.wja^^ 



AMPA'S 10G Goal 



is 
M. 
C. 



Goal of Naked Truth dinner 
$10,000 to be donated by the A. 
P. A. for film charities. John 
Flinn is calling a special commit- 
tee luncheon at the M. P. < H H<b 
Tuesday (3). 

Approximately 800 tickets have 
already been sold for the dinner. 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 



CALM DOWN ON 10 




SLUFFO 





RKO Apparently Pals 
He Radio City Rift Rumors 



Reports spreading from unknown 
Sources around RKO and Radio City 
that the Rockefeller interests were 
taking over the job of running the 
Hall entirely, RKO out of 

the situation despite that RKO has 
a leasing and 

ment over the house, are stated to 
be. incorrect.. Rockefeller :■ sources 
are somewhat perturbed by these 
reports. 

Whtle . at one time, when the 
courts of bankruptcy objected to 
the leasing arrangement between 
RKO and the Rockefellers, it ap- 
peared possible that RKO might go 
out of the situation entirely, only 
a few weeks ago the agreement,, on 
a year's basis and expiring this 
summer, was approved. 

Under' this lease the Music Hall 
is operated by a separate subsidiary, 
Radio City, Inc., while the RKO 
Center is under another RKO sub- 
sidiary known as Radio City Th"e- 
atres Corp. W. Van Schmus, who 
since S. L. Rbthafel's departure has 
virtually taken oyer Roxy's_ duties 
as managing director, is an officer 
of both these subsidiaries. 

He is a vice-president and as 
such occupies an official capacity on 
administration and operation of the 
subsldi ries over the two Radio City 
theatres. Van Schmus thus may be 
assumed to be in Radio City to pro- 
tect the interests of the .Rockefel- 
lers so far as the operation of the 
Music Hall and RKO Center are 
concerned. Though he may be re- 
garded as Roxy's successor, »Van 
Schmus has not given himself the 
additional title of managing direc- 
tor but he carries but the duties of 
that post as they were carried out 
by his predecessor. 

It is obviously to be expected 
that the Rockefeller interests would 
have someone in Radio City in an 
official and executive capacity in 
View of their interests there. Un- 
der the arrangement with RKO, this 
company and the Rockefellers split 
60-50 the profits of operation after 
overhead' and rent have come out. 

First 6f any important changes 
made at the Music Hall since Roth 
afel left were carried out during the 
past week, notably the replacement 
of George Gerhard by appointing of 
Hazel Flynn from the Chicago 
American " to post of advertising 
publicity director. Bob Sisk, in 
RKO, has charge of the publicity 
and advertising department. 

Another change was making the 
Roxyettes line the Rockettes. 

Leonard Hall, who resigned during 
the past week as publicist under 
Gerhard, is the only other change. 
No successor. 



Fox Lot Busy Spot 



• Hollywood, April 2. 

Fox is in one of the busiest spring 
production activities in its history. 
. Studio has five pictures filming, 
five With camera work completed, 
but in the cutting rooms, and eight 
n>ore in preparation to be .'started 
within 10 days. 

Last year at this time Fox had 
only eight pictures in various stages 
of production. 



Sir William Wiseman 
Of Paramount 

To Head Knhpi, Loeb 

With Otto H. Kahn's decease 
Thursday (2S>, presumption is that 
Sir. William Wiseman, closely al- 
lied with Paramount in various of- 
ficial capacities, will become the 
head of Kuhn. Loeb & Co.. for many 
years one of the Par bankers. 

Sir William is a member of the 
board of the parent company, Para- 
mount Publix, as well as on the 
boards of Paramount Productions 
dorp;, subsidiary over picture mak- 
ing, and Paramount Distributing 
Corp., the sales . branch. He is 
also a member of the. Para- 
mount financial committee and has 
played an important part all along 
In the financing functions of the 
company. 

Sir William has many friends 
among showmen, both here and 
abroad. , 

Otto Hi Kahn himself was active 
in Par for many years as a mem 
ber o£ the board... He retired as a, 
director two. years ago' when Sir 
William went in, 

Gilbert Kahn, son of the famous 
financier and art patron, and Otto's 
brother, Felix E., are also closely 
identified with Par. The son is a- 
member of the Paramount-Publix 
board . and also is a director of 
Paramount Pictures Corp., the main 
holding company in control of sub 
sldiaries. Felix E. Kahn, from whom 
Par bought- the Rialto -many years 
ago, is also a member, of the P-P 
board. 

Together with Hallgarten & Co., 
the Kuhn, Loeb house has handled 
virtually all of Par's private bank- 
ing- and financing, including the 
underwriting of both big bond 
issues. 



FRANKLIN-SELWYN'S 
BERGNER FILM PLAY 



Harol B, Franklin has closed a 
deal with Arch Selwyn for produc 
tlon of at least one play and film 
starring Elizabeth Bergner. Selwyn 
had the deal ori inally with C. B 
Cochran of London for production 
of the play. Franklin's arrangement 
gets him in on that and places Sel- 
wyn in on the film. Understood pic 
ture will get a Fox release though 
produced independently. 

Franklin and Selwyn go to Eu 
rope . Thursday (5) to talk over the 
details with Cochran and arrange 
for bringing the play to New York 
Play is 'Nymph Errant,' which is 
doing big business in London cur- 
rently. Franklin and Selwyn may 
bring over the cast intact. 

Zukor Summering West, 
O. 0. Important Prods. 

Adolph Zukor will leave New 
York toward- the end of; the month 
for Hollywood. 

Ho will remain on the coast 
probahly all summer watching r imJ 
pordiir, 'productions at the Para 
Wount -.uudio. 



DECIDE UPROAR 




Major Film Interests Deprecate 
Seriousness of 



NRA Proviso Analyzed as 
Having Little Practical 
Effect on Status Quo— 
Exhibs Already Average 
10% or Better in Number 
of Rejects Annually 



SOME STATISTICS 



Hearst's Own Newsreel 
Looks Certain by Sept. 



If Hearst starts operating its oyfrn 
newsreel again it will not be until 
September, because the Metrotone 
contract, with Fox Is not up until 
then. 

Monday (2) afternoon both reels 
remained ' formally noh-commitai, 
although in Fox. it is believed that 
the . severance has been virtually de- 
cided upon. 



A four months' battle between 
major companies and the NRA 
which threatened to split the Blue 
Eagle in fllmdom is conceded- this 
week to be .making the majors ap- 
pear foolish in their own eyes. 
Wise men in their ranks taking to 
arithmetic have suddenly discov- 
ered that according to the industry's 
own record neither distributors nor 
exhibitors stand to gain or lose by 
the Code Authority's recognition of 
the. now famous 10% cancelation 
clause. 

Pictures that exhibitors book and 
never play each year more than 
equalizes the privilege extended to 
the box office by .the, government 
to cancel. Statisticians, just 
through with their latest Job, figure 
90% of the country's theatres sluff 
off product each year arid that an 
average of 10% per exhibitor for 
yearly unplayed product is con- 
servative. 

An anti- sluff. remedy is what the 
industry needs before it can expect 
to benefit even. by the NRA's 10% 
cancellation privilege. It is now be- 
ing held. Only way in which this 
can be realized is to go back to 
the form of compulsory arbitration, 
rather than in the Eagle round 
table conferences which permit ac- 
cess to the courts, industry spokes- 
men versed in the code declare. 

Those many millions of dollars 
which the majors have been declar- 
ing they will lose with the cancel- 
lation right are nov/ described by 
the statisticians to be little more 
than a myth; in fact, so small that 
even on the matter of sluffed prod- 
uct, except where an exhibitor has 
jumped an entire contract, it is not 
worth/the expense to take the the- 
atre owner to court. 

Under the 10% clause as worded 
in the code even major lawyers conr 
cede an exhibitor can still Bluff 
Clause, they state, gives him the 
right to cancel out one out of every 
group of 10 pictures. Thus, they 
point out, if he has booked 60 pic- 
tures and played 40 he has been 
able to erase four features from his 
bookings. Then if he chooses to do 
so, or if he follows the old routine, 
he may fail to play the final 10. 

Many ..of the distributors them- 

(Contlnued on page 61) 



Ming, but 




Hays ton" wood 

Will Hays is returning to Holly- 
wood this week, partly on organiza- 
tion matters and also to address the 
MPTOA convention. 

This is one of the few times that 
Hays is doing face-to-face exhib3. 
in their own camp. 




20TH 
IN 3- 
TIME-OUT 




Hollywood, 
Contract players, irectdrs and 
other personnel are. scramming the 
Twentieth Century premises on the 
United Artists lot on lbanout for 
the three-nv nths production recess 
of the Schenck-Zanuck organiza- 
tion beginning May 1; 

Constance. Bennett and Fredric 
March have been farmed to. Metro 
for pictured to be produced • by 
Irving Thalberg. Miss Bennett will 
star in the 'Green Hat,' while 
March, who recently completed 'The 
Firebrand' with Bennett, will ap- 
pear in 'Barretts of Wimpole 
Street.' Metro also gets Loretta 
Young for three pictures. — — 

Among the directors treking, Wil- 
liam Wellman goes to Sarii Gold- 
wyri to make 'Barbary Coast,' and 
Walter Lang will meg the next Ed 
die Cantor feature, 'Treasure Hunt,' 
also a Goldwyn production. Sid 
ney Lanfleld, completing 'The Last 
Gentleman' with George Arliss, 
leaves for London to direct Jack 
Buchanan in 'Sons o* Guns/ 

Services of George Arliss and 
Ronald Colxrian are being reserved 
exclusively for 20th Century by 
Zanuck. Arliss remains in Holly 
wood for :the Grauman's Chinese 
premiere of 'House of Rothschild' 
tomorrow (Tuesday) night, and 
then leaves with Mrs. Arliss for 
their annual vacation in England 
Twentieth Century will resume 
production in September when all 
the company's contract players and 
ireggers will be recalled. Zanuck 
meantime vacations in Europe .and 
Asia, big game hunting. 



JACK WARNER WEST 

Jack L. Warner , pulls out to- 
morrow (Wednesday) for the CoaBt. 
He has been in the east about three 
weeks discussing '34-35 lineup with 
home office executives. The 60 in 
line for the hew year will be split 
up evenly, as before, ' between the 
Warner Bros, and First National 
trademarks. 

S. Charles Einfeld, going west for 
a few weeks to..look over the situa- 
tion from the advertising-publicity 
perspective, left Friday, (30), Stan- 
ley Shuford in charge at the h. o. 
during his absence. 



SCHENCK IN N. Y. 

Joe Schenck slipped into New 
York Sunday (1) for a stay of un- 
announced Length. 

One of his regular trips. 



Par. Reorg. Committee Nears End 

Understood Little Work Still Remains — 
Situations Clearing Up 



End . of the Paramount reorgani- 
zation committee, set up last spring 
with S. A. Lynch, heavy Publix En- 
terprises creditor; as chairman and 
including close to a dozen others, is 
expected shortly. A minor amount 
of work by the committee remains 
to be done. 

With steps toward reorganization 
and .the ;liftingLQ fl.receiyer3hip3_ in 



New England well under way, a 
plan for a new lease of life in the 
Northwest is virtually all that's left. 
Considerable attention has been 
given to reorganization of Flnkel-, 
stein & Rubin already, however, 
with many, conferences to discuss 
questions involved held both in 
New York and Minneapolis. 

Entire South has been completed 
so far as reorganization is con- 



cerned,, except for the ..possibility 
that something may be done in con- 
nection with the Saenger circuit 
which is deep in the hole. This, 
however, may be 'worked out. di- 
rectly with Paramount by . E. V. 
Richards and his associates in 
Saenger, without going through the 
present reorganization board. 

With readjust ment i n Par aft close 
"to ;tfie fl nish^line, . Lynch i.^noTlsx-^ 
pectcd to remain in the company 
for very long. From the start it has 
never been assumed with any de- 
gree of probability that Lynch 
would stop from the chairmanship 
of the reorganization board to an 
executive post in Par. It is doubted 
at first that he. would want it, since 
he's not temperamentally <lco <>i\ 
ah organization man. 



While .major interests were rush- 
ing agents in. a confidential capacity 
to Washington Monday (2) in addir 
tion to those formally delegated, and 
picture political circles were buzzing 
with a story that the President had 
sustained Clarence Darrow. in his 
dispute with. General Johnson, pre- 
cipitated partly over the film code, 
independents were busily mobiliz"- 
ing a veritable allied army. This 
is aimed to include, for the first 
tinie in industry warfare, outside . 
social organizations antagonistic to 
block hooking. 

With ah all-indie front, since pro- 
ducer members of the Federation of 
the M.P. Industry will, probably be- 
fore the end of the week, announce 
their position in the NRA fight, in- 
die leaders how are preparing for 
Washington a program which fea- 
tures the dethronement of the pres- 
ent. Code Authority and in its place 
a 5-6 membership equalized between 
pro<Juce^-distributors and exhibitors 
in place of what they now charac- 
terize as the 7-3 vote with inde- 
pendents the minority. 

Beneath the surface it was ap- 
parent that majors, as well, are tak- 
ing no chances with their own 
strategy.. Contactees who have seen, 
comparatively little service since 
the NRA came in were returned to 
arms and several important posi- 
tions in the majors' political front 
were quietly reversed, as a result, 
over the weekend. 

Political Football? 
Outwardly there is a confidence 
in major ranks that the Code Au- 
thority "will remain intact and that 
the greater part of the present 
formula Will, come through the pres- 
ent; war undisturbed; There are 
various versions, among them that 
this is really a fight between John- 
son and Darrow and that the film 
code happened to be seized upon' as 
the most immediate rope for the 
tugging. The reports that President 
Roosevelt contacted Darrow and 
Johnson and decided that Darrow 
has the right of way in the present 
argument were made by industry 
intermediaries Monday, but formal 
and official confirmation could not 
be obtained, 

Code lawyers hold that the front 
so far put up by the independents 
In Washington is just a repetition of 
an bid story that is already on the 
NRA's books. They reminded that 
all through the early code days, par- 
ticularly at its inception,, the Presi-. 
dent emphasized the expectancy of 
uprisings among recalcitrant minor? 
lties. They declared that Darrow's 
duties do not include wide-spread 
investigation but simply to listen 
to charges from small organizations 
that the code is op^esslhg them. 
In this regard they contend that 
the code has hot yet had a chance 
to prove itself and that inde'pend^ 
ents are without proof of alleged 
oppressive acts. 

Regarding Darrow, some major 
spokesmen expressed the belief that 
the chairman of the NRA Review 
Board is proceeding the current 
hearings on the ground that since 
the President signed the code on 
December 7 the code has had three 
months to prove itself and should 
be ready for. an airing, which they, 
in turn, hold is premature. 

As for the set-up of the Code Au- 
thority such spokesmen contend 
that the NRA and not fllmdom 
named it — and with President 
Roosevelt's approval— since names 
of all chief codlsts are included i 
the formula. 

The majors on Monday (2) de- 
nied ..they. _in tend _t o_ test out further 
Darrow's authority, or to defy him. 
They hold that the Code Authority 
as. a quasi-judicial body has its 
books up to date and ready for in- 
spection any time Darrow wishes 10 
review them.. 

Monday a new version from the 
majors also assorted itself. This is 
that Darrow, after all, is not inves* 
ligating the'- f'ndo Auihrr-lty but 
(Continued rm page 60) 



VARIETY 



PICT 



E * 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



Anms. Stocks Put on Best Show 
While Rest of 



INCORPORATIONS 





"While many stocks .floundered 
week tt.nd wound, 
amusement issues 
were putting oh a better show. Of 
seven most active film company 
stocks, only one finished the week 
with a net loss. The others boasted, 
fractional gains, Most of the action 
in the stock market was confined 
largely to first two days in week 
which consisted only of four and 
one -half trading : days. All mar- 
kets were closed Friday. 

Holiday market, on 
which lasted wo hours, was remark- 
ably active considering absence of 
many professionals. Approximately 
800,000 shares changed hands, 'many 
representative issues ending the 
week with, big gains. Advance in 
steel prices 'brought strength to 
steel stocks. Thi»la + e Saturday rallv 
brought big board stocks back to 
about' same" levels from which they 
started, the' week! bow-Jones in- 
dustrial averaged closed at 101.85 or 
up 1154 on- the; day, which was gain 
of 0.93 over previous Saturday. 
Bail avei*age-. : was unchanged and 
utilities were off compared to Sat-, 
urday before. "'. 

Whole' list broke badly at opening 
Tuesday. On Roosevelt's -endorse- 
ment bf' Strong stock exchange reg^ 
ulatlbri ' nieasiire' now pending in 
Congress. At least this was excuBe 
for selling, which uncovered rfUttier 
ous stop -loss orders. Losses ran 
two and 'three points In many" Is 
sues. Efforts' to rally market' cut 
down' some W -larger .'eartter.viosdeB, 
but market as a whole closed On 
bottom. 

Apparently many followers of 
• amusement . group, saw a rare op 
portunity to grab issues at lower 
levels during sell -off Tuesday, for 
these stocks came back subsequent 
Jy to close the week nearly on top 
It was noted here last week thai; 
careful- traders were waiting for 
just such a break' to pick up some 
of their favorites at cheaper prices 
In this connection It \ also was 
pointed -out that the factor of infla- 
tion, virtually ignored in recent 
weeks, might have to be watched. 
And after both houses of Congress 
overrode the President's veto of 
veterans* expenditure bill,. Qle Man 
Inflation suddenly appeared very 
much in the picture. As the Week 
closed, many in touch with' Wash- 
ington affairs, sensed a strong in 
flationary sentiment in nation's 
capital. Metal shares reflected this 
feeling most strongly Thursday, and 
again Saturday: Few highs were 
made by some metal Bhares. It is 
said, now that the President has 
been defeated in first major contest 
with Congress, that an effort to ob 
tain soldiers' bonus, calling for is 
suartce ; of more than two billion dol 
lars. in currency, will be made in 
Congress. 

Tone' Generally' Better 
Though, to much can't , be ex. 
pected.'of markej; while stock mar- 
ket regulation measure still hangs 
over Wall . Street, action, of stocks 
on 'Thursday and- again Saturday 
indicates/ that sentiment is, consid- 
erably " improved. . The ^way market' 
withstood shock 6f drive for lower 
levels Tuesday made it evident 'that 
there, might ; no.t be any,, major re 
action... / , t :i 

Reyiyal. of inflationary • .talk and 
belief. ;in,,some conservative quarjers 
that, stbbk regulation 'measure ;neyer; 
would become a: Jaw at this session 
of Congr.ess. lias, gone far .to. yevlye 
bullish enthusiasm, But even most 
enthusiastic bulls do .not look for 
anything, resembling, ,a. runaway 
market. Which J$ just what the 
administration has been striving 
for. 

Pathe A and Warner rothers 
stocks on. big board sported gains 
of %ths of a point for the week 
Paramount certificates showed a 
net gain of half, a point as did Ra- 
dio Preferred B. Radio and Pathe 
(Continued' on page 59) 



Yesterday's Prices 



' Sales. 
BOO 
: 500 
1,600 
10,600 
18.200 
20,100 
4,000 
26,800 
1.600 
12.600 



Con. Fll 
EaBtman .. 
Fox A,*..-. 
Gen. s lfl}e$£ 
Loews . ... 
Par. ctfs,. 
Pathe A.. : 
RCA . .... 
KKO ; .', . : 
War. Bros. 



lien. Low 
■1% 4% 
88. 87% 

i6% is ; 

22% 22 
82% .81% 

■ m- 5% 

10% 18% 

m 3% 

7% T 



Last ctape 
.4% + % 
88. +1% 

22% - % 
82% + % 
6%+ % 
10% + % 
7% + % 
8%+% 
7%+% 



* BONDS 

800 Sen. Tbr.. '0% W »%, 

300 Lbew's .,, 98 08 98 

200 P-F-L Ct«8. 40% 49% 4»% 

liOOO Par-P. ctfs, 40 48V4 « , +1% 

20,200 War. Bros. 58% 57% 68% + % 

CURB' 

800 Tech 0 J% 0 +J 

300 Co). . 29 28% .20 +2 




Hollywood, April 2 
teps for amalgamation of the 
two cameramen's organizations in 
Hollywood, American Society of 
Cinematographers and International 
Photographers, .Local 659; Interna-' 
tlohal Alliance Theatrical Stage 
Employees have been speeded up 
during the past/week, following dis 
closure that the plan apparently had 
the approval of William C Elliott, 
international president, the 
IATSE. 

Split, in the ranks of the camera- 
men, with sudden revival of the 
ASC to cbntest the IATSE group, 
resulted last fall following the fail- 
ure of the strike last... summer, of 
the five IA locais. Leaders of Tn 
ternatipnal Photographers have uri 
successfully struggled with various 
plans to regain the confidence and; 
backing of the cameramen general- 
ly, with defections from the ranks 
growing as no. definite solution was 
advanced to members. 

The first • moye^ for amalgamation 
of the 'tyro groups was made some 
time ago, with the proposition held 
under coyer by the few proponents 
of the -plan.. Informal discussions 
were held jitlth . representatives " of , 
the ASC, Who were interested, but 
stated the only manner in which 
the ASC would: . .combine ' was 
through its. absorbing' the IATSE 
local, taking over what membership 
was acceptable, all assets, obliga- 
tions, liabilities, and the charter 
issued by IATSE. 

After several discussions, plan 
was whipped . into shape, and it is 
known , the entire proposition ,wa? 
laid before. Elliott when he was here 
recently. That he . had not. vetoed 
the plaii is : seen ..in the fact that 
further., discussions on the amalga- 
mation were held b^ ..the unofficial, 
representatives, " aftbr. -Elliott 
turned 'to New Topic?) . ; , r 

. First informa,tibn, o.n the plan was! 
presented at an executive board, 
meeting, of the local two weeks ago, 
when, one member, proposed, a, get-, 
together '.. b.e arranged, .as. the local 
...-had; not been: able to 'regain/cQnifi.- 
• dence of the. members and re,pr-. 
ganize, the ranks, , '-. Strong . ppposl- : 
tion among /board - -members, "at first 
gradually fadedj and finally a com? 
mittee was appointed, to meet, with 
representatives of the ASC to see 
what could be done to. bring the 
cameramen" into or- 
ganization. 

Plan, which now seems likely, Is 
for the ASC to absorb the interna- 
tional Photographers with the . ASC 
holding the IATSE. cameramen's 
charter. 



C. F. KIMBALL HEADS PLANT 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Re-organization of the California 
studio has placed C. F. Kimball, 
former securities dealer, in. chafge. 
of the rental lot. J. C. Woolf, pre 
vious manager, haB resigned. 

California Studios, Inc., is now 
leasing the lot, which has been 
called the Beachwood studio. 
Property is owned by the Burkhard 
Investment. Co. 



SMALL'S NEGRO SCRIPTEBr 

Hpllywood, April 2. 
First colored writer to get a con 
tract script job in Hollywood is 
Wallace Thurman,.. who wrote 'Har 
,lem,' negro play. , Thul-man has just 
completed a synopsis on the Wil- 
liam Powell picture for Edward 
Small at United Artists. 

Thurman is under contract to 
Bryan Foy, for whom he wrote 
'Sterilization/ and was loaned to 
Small. 



Mew York 

Albany. 

Hippodrome Civlo Opera, Inc.; theatri- 
cal enterprise ; capital etock, 100 Bhares 
no par value. Mabel J*udson, May L 
Thrall and Thomas K. Purcoll, all *t 90 

Broad etreet. New York. 

Motion Picture Camera Supply, Inc., 
picture business supplies: cap! tal stocK. 
$20,000. Nathan Rosenblatt; Yetta J. 
Schenker and Shelley Hlllman, all of 1482 
Broadway, NeW York, 

Puranlt of HapputeM, .Inc., .Manhattan, 
theatrical enterprise; , f a*"* 1 ' 
JlO.000. Edward I>aurlUard,. Borland 
House" Lower Regent "tree*, London 
England : Rowland Stebblne, 19 West 4.4th 
street, New York, and Lawrence Lang- 
lier. 17 John etreet,. New York.. . 

Manror Corp.; theatrical enterprlBes; 
capital etock, 10.0 Bhares, vno par .vrtjw 
Thomas P.* Gorman, Wellington hotel 
New York; Thomas A. Klrby; 1380 Mer- 
rlam avenue, Bronx, and William J. J-^e, 
395 Riverside drlye. New. Yorti^ 

F. W. Baumer, Inc.; musical InstrU' 
ments; capital Btock, J10.000. Frederick 
W. Baumer. Minnie B. Baumer and Ida 
M. Laret, ill ot 663 ' Main street, Nen- 

11 International iBocl«fer brcliertrae. Inc. ; 

conduct s orchestra business ; e^P"* 1 
stock, 100 Bharea, no par value, Gertrude 
Israel Sadye Lnder and Samuel Olman 
all of 270 . Broadway, ' New '.York. ..■ . 

FoUes Bergere ..Prodaclng Co.* Inc.; 
pictures, vaudeville, etc.: capital fltpcK, 
X00 shares, no par value; . T- 
Abeles, Leopold . Brelch and Wll^m 
Lleber, all /of ,22 Elaet 40tb.. street^ New 

^°Nfe-Nlc, Inc.; plctureB, vaudeville, Stp.j 
capital stock, HO.OOOv Leo Asoher,, 167j. 
Lincoln place, Brooklyn:: Rae Levitt. 1819 
Cllrinton avenue, Bronit, and. ^Marcift 
Lleberman, 614 Weet 182d street. New 

^N«a Wayburn,, Radio Biwdcattljig 
School, Inc.j business of teaching Tadlo 
broadcasting, etc.; , ; capltal . atock, 100 
shares, mo par. value. Syd Comparte, 
Ohab. Seelenfrennd and Nathan Pollock, 
all of 1601 Broadway, New York. . 

Hubert Retail Stores; inc.; radio bust- 
ness; capital stock,, .*20i000> Beatrice 
Wels, Julius Homier and Isaac S*hmai, 
all of 1467. Broadway. New.. York. , 

Lancaster Theatre Corp., Lancaster 
theatricals, pictures', vaudeville,' etc.; 
capital stock, 100 shares, no par value 
Job; Warda, 261' Fenton street ; Esther 
Qoeseke, 72 Dupont 1 street, and BenJ. 
Flpegold. 17 Court street, all of Buffalo. 

Fndlcott Circuit, Inc., Brooklyn : the- 
atrical business: capital stock, 60 shares, 
no par value. Samuel- Berger, James^.T. 
Iiaw and Murray P. Gootrad, .all of 651 
Fifth avenue. New York. 

Junction. Cities Amusements, Inc.; . pic 
tures, shows, 'etc.; capital stock, 100 
shares, no par value. Jeanette Polotnlck, 
1$65' Townsend avenue, Bronx, a«» 
Soteros D. Cocalls and Beatrice Appe', 
both of 2621 Broadway, New York. . 

Nathan Zatkln, Inc.; pictures, plays, 
etc.; capital Btock, 100 Bhares. no par 
Value. C. N. Caldwell,, Jr. ;. David H. 
Jackman and Raymond J, Gorman, an 
of ISO Broadway, New York. • 

Inter-Continent Film Corp.; picture 
business; capital stock, 300 shares, no 
par value. Luis Rojas de la Torre, 60 
East 42d Btreet; W. David Strong. -828f 
Grand cOncourne;. and Stephen H. piicr 
467 West 46th street,. Ml Of New York. 
1 Bttchey International 1 Corp.; plctureB', 
capital ./stock, . 260 shares, no par.- value. 
Russell, M. Bell" Winifred Gpdde and 
Mae Gletz, all of 1 East 42d Btreet 

New York'. ' . . w : * 

Rochester. Centennial, Inc.; production 
of centennial pageant; capital stocki' 200 
shares.'no par value. Harper. SIMcy, 400 
East- avenue; Bernard 'E. Flnucane, 129 
Ambassador drive, and Carl. S. HaHauer, 
201 Rutgers street, all of Rochester. 
- Yonkers-Conieo^ Inc.; theatrical enter 
prise; capital stock,.. 50 shores, no par 
value. Hannah Dlnnln, 122 Stuyvesa.it 
avenue, Brooklyn ; Bernard Waldman and 
8ol Waldman, both of 214S 80th street, 

Brooklyn; '•• .■,■-"' - 

Famous Authors' Pictures Corp.; pic- 
tures;, capital stock, 260 shares, no par 
value.- A. ; A. Cass,- 19 Rector street; 
Paul S. Denton, 226 West 42d Btreet; 
Jacques Kopfsteln, 96 Northern aVenuff, 
all of New York.--. 

DISSOLUTIONS 
Film Hawstock Corp,; filed by Nathan 
Burkan, 1460 Broadway, New York 
.CHANGE OF DIRECTORS, 
. PURPOSES, INC. 
Remlck Music Corp. 

MEMBERSHIPS 
Newspaper Guild of Rochester, Inc. 

CALIFQRNIA 

Sacramento. 
. Pacific Outdoor Advertising Co. Capital 
stock,- $100,000, none -subscribed. ■• Di- 
rectors: H. .A, Brown, Henry W. Brown, 
St., R. G. Schroeter." 
'. :. State Theatres; Inc. Capital ' Stock. 
'$26,000..- Subscribed* ■ $80. Dlr.ectprja: 
'James Edwards, Jr., Bernlce Edwards, 
^William J.' Edwards,- Sr'." 

Beacon Productions, Ihc^ .Capital stock 
100. shares; none, subscribed. . Dlr,PctojrS: 
•Morton- 'Garbusf' J. Schuck, S. Kaye. ; 

•Artists Productions, Inc. Capital stock • 
100 shares. None subscribed. Directors: 
.Carlos Maugham, R. Robinson,. Morton 
Garbus. ■ '•' • •■ 

Symphony Soclete. ' 1 No capital stock. 
Directors:.' .Alfred -.iBraln, -Frederick 
Mofltz", F. S. Outterson, Charles L 
-White.- •■ • •••'• • 

. . Fictitious Firm- Names 
C. A" -'iCatori, doing business as Caton 
Music ' Publishing Co;,'' Lob, Angeled. 
. D.lC GrAney, doing ?buslnes3 «s Holly 
wood Entertainers,' of Beverly Hills. . 

Peter ' Ermatlnger, Dnn Wells, CUfford 
■C. Chlckerlnir, Loe Angeles; doing bust 
ness as Br'matlnger- and Wells. 

Herbert Br en on, Jr., doing business as 
TIiigel-Tangel Theatre, West Hollywood. 

Robert Gordon, Jr., Robert Hoyt, doing 
business as Gordon-Hoyt Productions, 
Los Angeles. 

OKLAHOMA 

Oklahoma City. 
Midwest Agency, Inc., Enid Okla. (Gen 
Adv. Agency). Capital Btock, . $3,000 
Incorporators,' H. H. ' Champlln, L. E 
Noble and Weldon Ford, all of Enid. 

Brlstow Baseball Club, Inc. Capital, 
hone; Incorporators, L. L.' Kemp, Dewey 
H. Price, C. M; McGehee, Roy O. Kelly, 
^Tt^oT^rTsTow^"" ^ " T 



IATSE Worker Asks hnpeachment 
Of L A. Union Officers for Strike 



1st Runs on Broadway 

(3ubject to Chanoe) 



Weak April 6 
Paramount — Tou're Telling 
Me' (Par). 

Capitol— 'Rip Tide" (MG) (2d 
wk). 

8trand— ^'O ambling lady' 
(WB) (3). 

Rialto— 'The Lost 
(KKO) (2d wk). 

Roxy — 'Constant N y m p h' 
(Fox). 

Music Hall — 'This Man Is 
Mine* (RKO) (5). 

Rivoli— Tiooking for Trouble* 
(XJA) (7). 

Week April 13 
Paramount—' Trumpet 
Blows' (Par). 

.Capitol — 'Tarzan His 
Mate' (MQ). 
Strand— *As the Earth Turns' 

(WB)r (UK 

Rialto-T*'She Made Her : 
(Par)^ 

Roxy— 'Sing 
(RKO). ■, 

Musi Hall— 'Stand Up and 
Cheer' (Pox) (12). 

Rivoli— 'Looking for Trouble' 
(UA) (2d wk). 

$2 Pictures 
'House of. Rothschild' (UA) 
AStor (4th week). 

'Viva Villa' (MG) Criterion 
(10). 



Sayxe at Metro 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Joel Sayre has been spotted oh 
the Metro writing staff, starting 
this weelt.' 

William Morris office placed the 
writer. 



Menjou, Landi Lead 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Adolphe Menjou has been tick- 
eted by: Paramount to play opposite 
Bllssa Landi in the Charles R. Rogi 
ers production, 'I Love An Actress.' 
Tarn is by Gregory Ratbff. 



DICK POWELL'S PERSONALS 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Dick Powell, who completes 
'Dames' at Warners, is due to go 
on a four-week personal appear- 
ances tour in the Warner houses 
He may later go to Europe for six 
weeks. " 



FRANK E. ADAMS RKO'S 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Prank R. Adams, recently out of 
Paramount, is on RKO's writing 
staff. 

He's working on 'The Other Pas 
sage,' for Pandro Berman prpduc 
tlon. 



N, Y, to L. A. 

Marian. Sp'itzer. 
Ruth Morris;- 
Mrs. Wm. Morris; 
S. Chaa. Elnfeld. 
Bob Goldstein. 
Jack L. Warner. 

Sam Dembow, 

Roy Mack.. 

Carroll' Graham. 

Charlie Tobias. 

Murray Mench$r. 



TEXAS 

Galveston. 
Brnnnon Theatre. Company, Inc., 

Whltewrlght, Texas; theatres; capital 
stbclt, $2,C00, Incorporators, William. C. 
Brannon, Marshall B. Padgltt, Nanlqe V. 
Brnnnon. . -—-^ , 



Chicagoans Coast Agenting 
Hollywood, April 2. 
Barbara Cannon Shelton arid 
Paul Edmonds,, formerly of Chi 
cago, have opened an agency here 
Maurice Kosloff associated. 



L. A. to N. Y. 

Moss . Hart. 
George S. Kaufman. 
H. S. Kraft, 
Herbert Yates. 
Lew Brown.. 
Emma Dunn. 
Robert Harris. 
Joe Slmmonds. 
John W.' Consldine, 
Gloria. Swanson. 
Ben Goetz; 
I^^Mrr^nd^rsT^ow^d^Jf Grew 
George Lait. 
Porter Emerson BrOwn. 
Charles Beahan. 
Harry Warren. 

Al Dubin. 

Dorothy Stlckney. 
Richard A. Rowland. 
Jules Levy. 
Francis A. Mangan. 
Ethel Merman. 
Edmund Goulding. 
William Perlberg. 



Hollywood, April 2. 
Preferring; Impeachment charges 
against. officials of 

Local , Alliance 
Theatrical.. Stage Employees, for 
what, he alleges was disregard of 
by-laws and regulations ill calling: 
last summer's strike In the studios, 
James E. Shaw, a member of that 
union, has. presented his chargea 
in an open letter to William E. El- 
liott, International president of the 
IATSE. 

In his communication to Elliott, 
Shaw states:- 'Having awaited with 
patience since July 24, 1933, for 
someone in authority within the 
IATSE to take some action to pun- 
ish the parties responsible for ere-, 
ating the chaotic conditions insti- 
tuted oh that date and which ard 
still existing to the detriment of 
every member of the IATSE .em- 
ployed In any capacity in the 'mo- 
tion picture industry ; in . this 1 com- 
munity, I have- reached the con- 
clusion to place in your, hands the 
results bf months of careful con- 
sideration on my part, plus the 
advice of various members of the 
IATSE locals who have the best in- 
terests- of our organization, at heart 
and that is that impeachment, 
charges be brought in order to al- 
low you to act in any manner you 
choose to rectify the. mistake of 
those responsible for pur losses of 
time, work, seniority and possible 
Jurisdiction in the studios of Hol- 
lywood, • California,' 

Shaw bases his charges on wire 
dated July 24, 1933, and signed by 
Lew Blix, business representative 
of Local 37, callina on all members 
of the union to go out on strike. 
This move, charges Shaw, was in,.-, 
direct violation of the. Basic Studio; 
Agreement and the rules of pro."-., 
cedure for International signatories, .'. 
to withdraw from the pact with,., 
major studios and other Interna-^, 
tional unions were' grossly violated/ 
No Strike Powers 
He further contends, that the con- 
stitution and by-law$ of Local 37 
provides that 'the Board of Gov- 
ernor shall have direet super- 
Vision of all officers and employees 
of the local* and furthermore, -the 
Board of Governors shall not have 
the power to call a strike In any. 
studio or place of amusement, but 
must first have the sanction of the 
Local' and General Office,' and 
charges that the Bllx strike tele- 
gram violated both the ' letter and 
spirit of these sections, as Bllx was; 
not vested with the authority to 
issue's, strike order when the Board 
itself is denied that privilege- ex- 
cept when sanctioned as provided. 

The union member's open letter 
to Elliott continues with the charge 
that by-laws of the International 
have been 'utterly' disregarded and 
violated by the sending of this 
telegram and offer as evidence that 
to this dflite no authorization of a 
strike by the International Pres- 
ident (as required by section 2) has) 
as yet been received. "No meeting 
of the local Was called within 24 
hours (as further required^ by sec- 
tion" 2) "lb '^6W-oW'-Viie'^\iSsli^n-'6t r ' 
strike,' " 

In closing, Sha\V sta ! tes. 'This 
propoBai Of Impeachhientl Charges 
is made, not to further burden you 
at a time when re-entrance- Into the 
basic studio agreement and the va- 
rious adjustments, of the many 
codes covering our hurnerous mem- 
bers are under ' • discussion, but 
rather 'to ease your troubles by pro- r 
viding you' Witlv a weapon- which- • 
can be used by you to' straighten 
out a situation whlcWrtiust be' as*, 
vexing to' you as a labor leader as 
it is to us who are the actual par- 
ticipants.' . 

The letter,, which is being cir- 
culated among members of Local 
37, is in pamphlet form, with space 
at . the bottom of last page for the 
endorsement of individual members 
who are in accord with the im- 
peachment charges and who will 
forward the signed pamphlets on to 
•Elliott. 



Disclosure of the existence of the- 
impeachment charges, resulted in 
Lew Bllx writing a lengthy com- 
munication to combat the charges 
which was sent to Elliott In New 
York. * " 

It is understood that a petition 
is being circulated among 37 mem-, 
bers calling for a general mass 
meeting of the union at which time 
BUx >vould be called on to answer 
questions. 



T.iriluy, April 3, 1934 



PICTURES 



VARIETY 





One Day Per Week (Except in N. Y. C.) 
Should Settle All Grievances-NRA 



In just one day each week the 
average grievance board should be 
able to wash up all Its grief and 
its members get back- their 
private occupations, the 
beiief and the Optimism of the Code 
Authority which la already pointing 
out that with, rotection. 
bitratlbn being handled by separate 
groups,, the grievance, jurists, de- 
spite their additional duty of the 
compliance boards, should not find 
themselves showed under if they 
use judgment and discretion. 
No Wailers Wanted 

Exhibs with reps as professional 
wailers should be impressed on 
their first appearance before griev- 
ance members that the latter want 
only the facts and that verbosity 
and vituperation will not be coun- 
tenanced. Above all, complainants! 
with lawyers must be made to real- 
ize that opinions from' barristers 
are not wanted in this department 
of the. NRA. 

This advice is being allowed to 
emanate from the G. A; after vari- 
ous reports from the field that some 
of the men who had eagerly sought 
grievance appointments now are 
fearful, that the same will cause 
their own business to suffer. 

The one-day optimism does not 
hold for such cities as New York 
and Philadelphia. Using former ar- 
bitration periods as the means of 
comparison codists-will venture no 
workday for the NRA in Manhat- 
tan. They figure that more cases 
will come up here than in the rest 
of the U. S. together. 



NRA FACTS LAG ON 
RAIDING PROBLEMS 



Washington, April 2. 

Another month's delay In submis- 
Bion : of reports on Hollywood 
film and raiding problems Is in-: 
dlcated irt NRA circles. Order mov- 
ing deadline back from April 7 Is 
expected to come out 'this, Week*. 

Although reporting substantial 
progress in assimilating facts and 
analyzing reports, Divisional Ad- 
ministrator Sol A. Rosenblatt said 
much work- .remains to be done. 
Many questionnaires have come in 
and are being tabulated and sum- 
marized, but others are expected 
later. No deadline has been fixed 
for return of Inquiry blanks but 
final limit may oe necessary to 
speed work. 

Possibilities that film salaries 
will come to the attention, of the 
NRA Review Board, was. indicated 
last week when General Counsel 
Lowell B, Mason said the matter 
of executive' income has been con- 
sidered .irt relation to charges that 
code creates a monopoly. Mason 
indicated if his group has time it 
may look into the Federal Trade 
Commish report on all big incomes 
and lay basis for further inquiry; 
into, film conditions. 

Raiding so far has been con- 
sidered by Darrow board and It Is 
regarded as unlikely that this sub- 
ject will be linked to the exhibitor 
protests. Board has not received 
any kicks from production end and 
so far has . shown no indication of : 
going into this phase of. the busi- 
ness except when it is related to. 
exhibition matters. 



BANS FREE PARKING 



L. . Officials Rule Practice Violates 
NRA Code 



Lbs, Angeles, April 2. 

Free, auto parking, for picture 
house patrons* where the privilege 
is made a part of the admission 
price, has been banned in the down- 
town sector by Charles H. Cunnlng- 
ham, in charge of the local NRA 
office, who declares the practice to 
be a violation of the Industry code 
and wnfaUvfeompetitioh. 

Notice /was served oh Sid Grau- 
man, operating the United Artists, 
and Sherill H. Cohen, operator of 
the Orpheum, only two. downtown 
pic houses giving patrohs the free 
parking . privilege.. Practice was 
Immediately eliminated by Grau- 
man, with the : Orpheum manage- 
ment expected to follow in line in 
the next few days/ 

Nabe houses, with free parking 
facilities for patrons,_ have so far 
received ho instructions t° discon- 
tinue the courtesy. 



Judge lindsey 
Starts Coastal 
Code Hearings 



Hollywood. April 2. 

Judge Ben B. Lindsey, Labor 
Compliance Director for Southern 
California, hag started the stalled 
code- compliance machinery set up 
to handle motion picture studio 
labor complaints. Empowered to go 
ahead through word from Sol A. 
Rosenblatt* Judge Lindsey, working 
under State NRA Administrator 
George Creel, has set the first of 
many skedded hearings on wage and 
hour code violation complaints for 
tomorrow (Tuesday). 

Citations ;have been issued to rep 
resentatives of Fox, Warners, First 
National, Paramount, Metro, Radio, 
Universal, Columbia, United Artists, 
20th Century and several Indie 
studios, and to . the hundreds of 
complainants who allege specific 
picture code violations' or evasions 
in studio working - conditions and 
practices; 

Hearings, in compliance with the 
code, will not be. public. 

The approximately 1,600 indi- 
vidual squawks which have deluged 
the. local NRA offices have been 
segregated- Into three major classi- 
fications. Only one of. these three 
categories id to be handled by Lind- 
sey, that dealing with studio labor. 
Casey Committee 

This type of case was intended to 
be placed under jurisdiction of the 
Studio Labor Committee of four 
named by. Rosenblatt— Pat Casey, 
Al Berros, Ed. Smith and Dick 
L'Estrange. Many complaints have 
been filed with this so-called Pat 

(Continued on page 30) 




WASHING UP 



Imfie Exhibs Charge Rosenblatt 
bored Hum, Code 



Code Supplants 10-Year- 
Old Mechanism for Hand- 
ling Grievances — Fi I m 
Board of Trade Secre- 
taries May Pass Into G. A. 
Employ 

DETAIL WORK 



Film Boards of Trade, political 
outposts throughout the country for. 
the major, industry during the past 
decade; are .being - 
livion, it was admitted for the first 
time by official spokesmen over the' 
week-end. Just how soon and what 
kind of a death the boards will have 
is a mystery. But the new network 
created by the NRA . and a belief 
among majors that the boards have 
served their purpose in educating 
trade employes in the. various, arts 
of contact and finesse are given as 
the main reasons. , 

Complicatior-3, however, are already 
rising. These, it is believed in pro- 
board parts of the industry, may 
yet save some of the boards, and 
eventually witness their return to 
strength. 

Theory that .film secretaries can, 
in many instances, function • as 
grievance and zoning board stenog- 
raphers and still carry on their 
original work, all for a weekly sal- 
ary of $40. or $60 a week, persists In 
some major circles as p. reason tor 
the termination of the contact chain- 
Recent development;:, however, 
would blast this theory. First oif 
all, it is admitted Within their , own 
rank's, many of .the. secretaries have 
long been' away from active duty 
with pencil and. typewriter. And 
the Code Authority, according to 
officials over the week-end, is ex- 
pecting its field force to economize 
to the bone and pick secretaries, 
who can do the. manual work them- 
selves. 

It is also pointed out that the 
duties of Film Boards are vastly 
different from those which would 
be theirs in the NRA posts. That 
they could nvestigate, contact 
legislators, smooth oyer Industry 
troubles in addition tc executing all 
the burdens under the NRA is con- 
ceded to be a physical impossibility. 

Boards, however, have been defi- 
nitely heading toward the shelf for 
the past two years when their num- 
ber was cut from the original 32 to 
22. Money trouble was described 
as responsible at the time. Now, 
according to reports, the major in- 
dustry has refused to make any 
further appropriation for the film' 
boards. 




Stronger-Than-Ever Dominance 



Tuesday— The Day 



Washington, April 2. 

Review Board today x put over 
until tomorrow further hear- 
ings on film code, ^refusing to 
assign reasons for delay, Gov. 
Floyd B. Olson, friend of Al 
Steffes, head of Allied of Min- 
nesota, is. slated to be stair 
witness, . along with- members 
of Independent labor unions in' 
New Xork area. 

J. Robert Rubin, alternate 
for Nicholas M. Schenck, arid 
H. S. Bareford, alternate for 
Harry M. Warner, conferred 
tonight with General Counsel 
Lowell. Mason concerning Code 
Authority's stand on charges 
filed by Allied and Department 
of Justice at last week's hear- 
ing. Nothing was forthcoming 
from any of the conferees 
about possibility CA members 
will take the stand. Admitting 
his . plans for further Investi- 
gation are sky-high, Mason 
said he would not attempt to 
force a showdown by demand- 
ing that Bareford and Rubin 
take witness .stand. 

Divisional Administrator 
Rosenblatt will not appear to- 
morrow. Variety learned ex- 
clusively. Rosy has outlined 
his position' in a tetter to 
Mason which Review Board 
lawyer denies having received. 
Report Is letter points out 
NBA has offered its services 
and files,- but Review crowd 
has failed to request Blue 
Eagle's aid. Rosy was not on 
tap today because he was not 
invited to attend. 



Milliken to Rome's Int'l 
Film Educational Parley 



What the U. S. is prepared to do 
to further films as a world edu* 
cational medium will be recounted 
by Carl Milliken when the Inter- 
national, Visual . Education con- 
vention opens in home April 19. 
This is the first time the Hays 
organizni Ion has partiHpatod in a 
cnnr'T.'ii'.c nr this kind. 

ir.llikr.n f;; -,n,. ( i Murfh 31. 



L. A. Codists Pick Sec. 

Los Angeles, April 2. 

Zoning- clearance and grievance 
boards recently set up to function 
in the Los Angeles territory, have 
sent two recommendations to the 
Code. Authority, expressing their 
first and second choices for the 
secretaryship of /the bodies. _ 
"'^nanim^^^ ch^icV^is^Loia? 
Adam.s Gentry, presently secretary 
of the L. A. Film Board of. Trade, 
and second choice, Mrs. Minnie 
Koppel, .secretary of the Southern 
Cal ifornia Independent T heatr e 
Owners' association: 

Boards will reconvene at the: calls 
of the rotating chairmen, George 
Hanes on zoning and Hr n N. Berin- 
stei rievance, 



Chicago, April 2. 
Indications that the Film Boards 
throughout the country will be out 
of business soon are seen in the de- 
cisions of several grievance and: 
zoning boards to take over the Film 
Board secretaries as scriveners for 
the various local film code boards. 
At the meeting here last" Week of 
the code boards Emma Abplanalp, 
secretary of the Film Board here 
for the past three years, was recom- 
mended as secretary for the code 
board. 

Figured that the Film Board will 
be. closed by May 1 and that Miss 
Abplanalp would come lh with film 
business experience and background. 
Only other name brought up as pos- 
sible secretary was Joe AbramsOri, 
•secretary r of- the- Film - Board - abou t 
six years ago and at present a War- 
ner theatre manager in St. Louis. 

Informal . meeting of the code 
boards voted a recommendation for 
ajnorithly^ budget of $1.00^ Jto take 
care of salaries, rent", communica- 
tions, etc. As soon as the budget 
.question is settled board will start 
active operation, which is figured 
within two to three weeks 



ALL 31 BOARDS 
OF CA START 
BY APRIL 15 



The Darrow qulzz is not delaying 
the film code field machine, Code 
Authority headquarters maintained 
Monday (2) in announcing that 
doors of at least 20 zoning and 
grievance boards in as many cities 
will be ready for business Monday 
(9), Only delay in these boards 
getting under way this week. It 
was claimed; is that the "CA at its" 
Friday meeting will have to ratify 
secretaries now listed for the posi- 
tions. 

All 31 boards should.be function- 
ing by April 15, it was stated. All 
but two sets in ' New York and 
Philadelphia were announced as 
complete over the week-end. 

At Friday's meeting the CA will 
receive a plan from. S. R. Kent and 
J. Robert Rubin designated as a 
committee to look into the Holly- 
wood extra trouble. Details will 
not be divulged until after this ses- 
sion, and then only if the CA takes 
action. 

Sol Rosenblatt's report is ex- 
pected, to. be made at this session, 
as the deadline is April 7. Formal 
announcement of code taxes will 
also be ..lade, according to the pres- 
ent schedule. 

Harold S. Bareford as chairman 
of- the- April- 6. -meeting was desig- 
nated to rei resent the CA before 
the Darrow quizz. 



Washington, April 2i. 

Parade , of. indie exhibitors pro- 
tested to -National Review Board 
Thursday (20) that major producers 
wrote the NRA code . irt such a way 
as to legalize all unfair and vicious 
business practices and then stacked 
both the Code Authority and sub- 
sidiary agencies to insure monopo- 
listic control of entire film industry. 

Few specific charges of code vio- 
lations were read into the. record, 
most testimony being generalized 
squawks about hardships faced by 
indies and recital of ancient his- 
tory. Session was a field day for 
Allied States group which walked 
but last fall on Divisional Admin- 
istrator Sol Rosenblatt and failed 
to win sympathy from either Gen. 
Hugh S. Johnson or the President. 

Proceedings centered around Issue 
of the 'big eight'— as General Coun- 
sel Lowell Mason and board mem- 
bers preferred to designate major 
producer group— with principal pro- 
tests relating to forcing shorts, out- 
rageous percentage charges, unrea- 
sonable clearances, . discrimination 
between indie and affiliated exhibit- 
ors, and set-up of CA. 
. Principal charges were made by 
Harry Brandt, I.T.O. N.T. president, 
who related how Rosenblatt refused 
to consider requests of indies lh 
code revision, conferences and who 
Warned that without drastic re- 
vision of present pact wholesale 
theatre bankruptcies must be ex- 
pected.. 

Charging that 'the code, as sub-, 
mitted was. altogether different from 
what came out of the meetings,' 
Brandt testified that 'the independ- 
ent can't make a living if he deals 
with the big eight and he can't, live 
under the situation today. The In- 
dependent could not live on. inde- 
pendent productions.' 

Indie. Houses. Better 

Contention that indies in virtually 
every case operate better houses 
than majors was stressed by Brandt 
Who' said that when code discus-, 
slona opened indies were hopeful 
and 'looked on the code" as a life- 
saver.' 

'We thought at last we were go- 
ing to have a chance to do busi- 
ness on .'an equal footing,' Brandt 
declared. 'Instead we find ourselves 
much further down in the rut and 
a monopoly, set up in such a way 
that nobody can break through.' 

Brandt charged that In no In- 
stance have any indie groups been 
invited to participate in administra- 
tion of pact and their suggestions 
during code writing were scrapped 
by Rosy: No records of confer- 
ences were kept, he emphasized, 
while at one meeting when one; con- 
feree began taking notes Rosy ob-* 
Jected.. 

Detailed accounts of futile at- 
tempts to purchase first runs from 
major distributors and of admis- 
sions by *big eight' sales manager? 
that indies could not be supplied 
with plx because of tie-up between 
majors were presented by several 
indies from New York-New Jersey 
area, while indies from the Midwest 
and South testified that unfair 
practices used In metropolitan area 
are prevalent even in the sticks. . 

Julius Charnbw. oprator of indie 
house in Leonia, N. J., related how 
clearances were greatly extended 
during period his house was oper- 
ated by Fox and when theatre was 
returned he Was forced to wait six 
or seven weeks to obtain features. 
Charnow described visits to princi- 
pal exchanges and contended 'their 
actions and practices tend, to show 



T0WNLEY ON THALIANS 

._ ' Hollywood, A pril .2. 

Jack" ToWnley' will' produce .. t'he 
new series of Thalian shorts for 
Universal release. 

He'll start production on a set of 
six around April 15. 



some sort of an arrangement' ' t» 
keep indies irt check. 

Compiajnt . that code legalizes 
forcing of shorts was . .heard from 
Irving T. Gerber, operator of Eagle 
theatroi; New York,' who told'~Sbout 
attempts to contract for Columbia 
and Paramount productions. Ger- 
l>ir>r . aid Columbia Insisted he take 
(Continued On page 22) 



8 



VARIETY 



PICT 



E CROSSES 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



LA, Undaunted by Holidays, Shows 
Healthy Biz; 'Riptide Opens Big; 
'Spring and Ellington High 




Los Angeles, April 2. . 
Though Good Friday and Passover 
eve hit together, and. torrid 'weather 
has the town wrapped up, trade was 
fairly good -all around this week.. 
Oyer week end theatres got the ben- 
efit of the school-goers trade and 
got the bigger percentage of the 
week take over the hill, despite the 
Friday slough off. Paramount stands 
out again this week with Duke Ell- 
ington topping the fare above "Mel- 
ody in Spring.' "With heavy cam- 
paign on for pic, well as stage 
attraction, opening day exceeded 
that of Ted Lewis by $300, and looks 
as though house will have one of 
those $20,000 or better weeks. State 
got off to great opening day . with 
Norma Shearer in 'Riptide' start- 
ing grind at 10 in the morning; and 
doing seven big shows on the day.' 

Four of the first run emporiums 
have holdover pictures, with 'Little 
Women' in second week at RKO 
being the topper as far as grosses 
are concerned. 'Wonder Bar' at the 
two Warner houses, in its third 
week, looks as though it will give 
the operators a joint take of $12,600. 
'Catherine the Great' sloughed down 
considerably, from its first stanza. 
•All Quiet on the Western Front' 
getting tough break at the flexible 
policy Pantages, which went back 
to a single bill for this attraction. 
With house not selling picture, and 
word.-of -mouth necessary ingredient 
to bring them in, it started off to a 
$333.25 initial day and will come 
home with around $3,100, which is 
big compared to trade house has 
been getting. . 

Estimates for This Week 
Downtown (WB) (1,800; 26-35-40- 
65) —'Wonder Bar* (WB) (3d-flnal 
week). Holding up in great style 
for third stanza and will hit $7,000, 
which is profitable. Last, second 
week, hit $10,800, which was sur- 
prisingly big. 

Hollywood (WB) (2,766; 25-35-40- 
56)— 'Wonder Bar' (WB) (3d-flnal 
week). Not going strides that 
Downtown house has been hitting 
And will come through with around 
$5,600. Last week, second stanza 
finished up with around $9,800, 
which was . great. 

Los Angeles (Wm. Fox) (2,800; 
15-26)— 'Gross Streets' (Invincible) 
and 'The Poor Rich' (U) split. De- 
pending on • scale, house gets the 
mat. shoppers, and they will help 
toward a $3,800. Last week -Speed 
Wings' (Col) and 'Beloved' (U) did 
excellent trade at $6,000. 

Pantages (Pan) (2,700; 26-40)— 
'All Quiet on the Western Front* 
(U). All quiet at Pantages for pic 
that should hit an easy $7,600, and 
which will not hit over $3,100. Last 
week 'The Show-Off' (MG) and 
Lets Be Ritzy' (U) with preview 
added had hard struggle to, hit the 
$2,600 mark. 

Paramount (Partmar) (3,696; 30- 
40-55)— 'Melody in Spring* (Par) 
and stage show. Elington outfit 
will carry its weak sister Screen 
balance to $20,000, which is big 
trade. Last week 'Wharf Angel' 
(Par) and it Was Ted Lewis outfit 
that did the trick of $22,300, which 
was best trade house has had in 
many a moon. 

RKO (2,950; 25-35-40)— 'Little 
Women' (RKO) (2d week). Though 
trade slacked off Good Friday, 
picked up over week end and looks 
close to $10,000 mark. Last week, 
first stanza for this pic, tremendous 
afc $16,400,j which is almost house 
record since edifice opened. 

State (Loew-Fox) (2,024; 30-40 
55)— 'Rip Tide* (MG). Started off 
at heavy clip Saturday, and- looks as 
thougjh it Will set straight pic policy 
record for house by grossing around 
$23,000. In for 12 days. Last week 
'Murder in Trinidad' (Fox) ancl 
•Lazy River' (MG). First try of 
house at double bill flbppo at $4,900 
United Artists (Grauman) (2,100; 
30-40-65) — 'Catherine the Great' 
(UA) (2d week). Seems as though 
holdover was hot warranted, as take 
will not run over $6,20*. First week 
this one hit Just over the $10,000 
mark. 



Tide* (MGM). Looks to be ripping 
along in its Northwest premiere for 
expected $5,000; Very big. Last 
week, 'David Harum' (Fdx), second 
week, six days* $4,000, great. 

Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (650; 15- 
25), *3 Cornered Moon' (Par) and 
'Keep 'Em Rolling* (RKO), dual, 
and 'Bombay Mail' (U) and 'Bitter 
Sweet' (UA), dual, split week, an- 



ticipated to reach okay $1,600. Last 
week, . 'Girl Without a Room' (Par) 
and 'Myrt and Marge* (U). Latter 
played up and responsible for $1,100 
in four days. 

Lent End Perks 
Catholic N. 0.; 
Jolson 




New Orleans, April 2. 
Biz comes back with, a bang this 
week. Lines are in evidence for the 
first time since the beginning of 
Lent. Town leader is ■> 'Rip Tide,' 
Shearer showing conclusively she is 
still the queen of local wickets, *,nd 
Loew's State will pass $14,000. Across 
the street the Saenger has a heayy 
clicker in 'Wonder Bar/ which will 
grab more than 12 G's. Orpheum 
has Katharine Hepburn in 'Spitfire,' 
which may get $10,000. Tudor is 
caught in between and will hardly 
better $i,600 with 'Search for 
Beauty.' 

Estimates for the Week 
Saenger (3,668; 40)— 'Wonder Bar' 
(WB). Real box office. Film per- 
fect for the south. $12,000. Last 
week 'Four Frightened People* 
(Par) got $6,000. 

Loew's State (3,218; 40)-r-'Rip 
Tide* (MG). Norma Shearer returns 
with popularity undiminished to 
Smashing $14,000; Last week 
Louisiana' (MG) surprised some 
what as receipts -almost touched 
$7,000. 

Orpheum (2,400; 36) — 'Spitfire* 
(RKO). Hepburn, badly scripted 
will draw $10*000 on her own. Last 
week 'Jimmy .the Gent* (WB) got 
almost six grand. 

Tudor (700; 80) — 'Search for 
Beauty' (Par) hurt by other heavy 
grossers, and $1,600 will be about 
all. Last week 'No More Women* 
(Par) touched good $2,400. 



Joe Laurie Peps Up 
Pitt at $7,500; Sten 
$23,500, Just So-So 



Pittsburgh, April 2. 
Best weather break in months, to- 
gether with passing of Lent, should 
ease . those furrowed brows, for a 
change, this session. Although Holy 
Week wasn't quite as bad as it was 
last year, it was bad enough and a 
little adrenalin all the way round 
Won't hurt. 

With biggest exploitation cam- 
paign a picture has had in years, 
•Nana' at the Penn, with 'Green- 
wich Village Follies' on stage, will 
get some dough, but $23,500 will 
just about balance the budget for 
this outlay. Bill, of course, got off 
to bad start Good Friday, yet 
doubtful of registering a solid click 
because of unfavorable word^of- 
mouth. . 

Pitt is picking up with Joe 
Laurie's 'Memory Lane Revue*, and 
1 Believed In You' on screen. Prob- 
able $7,500 session is music here, 
after three or four dull sessions. 
Nice campaign behind 'Harold Teen' , 
helped by a tie-up with 'Post- 
Gazette,' in which cartoon strip ap- 
pears daily, should see Warner hit- 
uing a better than average $6,000. 

Fulton held off 'George White's 
Scandals' until Saturday (31) as 
against usual Thursday opening, but 
town's still buzzing with sensational: 
business for "David . Harum* at this 
site. 

Estimates for This Week 

Davis (WB) (1,700; 25-35) *Love 
Birds (U) and 'Countess of Monte 
Cristo' (U). Twin.bill gets its chief 
draft from Summerville-Pltts, con- 
sistently good marquee names in 
this territory, and should turn up 
with a, profit at $3,300. Last week 
I Like It That Way* (U) and 
•Crosby Case* (U) in the dumps 
plenty at $1,900, 

Fulton (Shea-Hyde) (1,760; 15- 
26-40) 'George White's Scandals' 
(Fox). Opened strong Saturday 
(31) and may stick 10 days to get 
house back on its regular Thursday 
start, 'David Harum' (Fox) in sec- 
ond week lasted eight days to $6,300, 
sensational, for Holy Week, par- 
ticularly With a holdover. In 14 
days, Rogers picture gathered a 
great $i4,600. _ 

Pehh (Loew's-UA) (8,800; 25-40- 
65-60-75) 'Nana'. <UA) and ^Green- 
wich Village Follies.' Good business 
but nothing sensational, and $23,- 
600 will just about represent an 
even break for the. stiff overhead. 



TAC0MA BETTER 



•Ripti 



$5,000— 'Palooka,' $2,500— 
'Moon,' $1,500 



Tacoma, April 2. 
Tn^RIp'^'TidS'^lr 
the. town's headlirier this week, fol 
lowing 'David Harum' after dandy 
13-day run at the Roxy. 

Estimates for This Week 
Music Box (Hamrick) (1,4<J0;' 26 
-Wf, 'Palooka' (UA). Laughs 
stressed to bring 'em but after Len 
ten spell, Indicated $2,600 deemed 
fair. Last week, 'Six of a Kind' 
(Par) pulled after , four slow days, 
$1,400, bad. 
Hoxy (J-vH) (1,300; 25-35), 'Rip 



Earle, Phily, $40,000 with Joe Penner; 
'Riptide' $11000; Moms Up $16, 





(Chadwick) and 'Let's Go Places' | Philadelphia, April 2. 

U «t.nley (TO) W00; 26-35-60) It ^ no,fle "**™*?+ «* Earle '» 
Happened One Night' (Col). Mar- sensational biz with Joe tenner as 
quee names will bring in $16,000. 1 its stage headliner. Friday open 
Last week •Bolero* (Par), ouch at !ijjf was a tip-off on attendance pos 

,6 W D «rner (WB) (2,000; 25-40) 8iW,ltlea and Saturday, in face of 

'Harold Teen* (WB), Nice cam- the hardest rain Philly has had in 

paign and with kids out of school years, was also terrific arid the 

for a few days, should get a deluge ft nt decifled on a ft a m 

of adolescents, which should help management aeciaea on a » a. m. 

to an all right $6,000, best here in opening Instead of the usual 

some time. Last week 'Come On, a. M. icture lis 'Harold* Teen.' 

^f^AA^'i i-^w 0 ?^.* 1 ^* 6 Week's gross almost certain to hit 
and $3,700 just another gross. | |40(00o . Efa ^ B rfiC ent pace has 

been slightly under $15,000, If it 

keeps up it's a new house record,. 

Boyd is another house expected 
to. get. important money after 
stumbling along with a weekly 
average of less than $10,000 for a 
couple of months. 'Riptide' is the 
picture expected . to do the job. 
Opening pace indicated a $17,000 
week and hold-over virtually cer« 
tain. 

Estimates for this Week 

Aldine (1,300; 40-55-65)— 'Palooka' 
(UA). Ought to get $6,000, in sec- 
ond week. LaBt week a couple of 
April 2. I hundred over $7,000. 

Current indications point to sat- Arcadia (600; 26-40-60)— 'This 

current inaications poim xo w slde o£ Heaven' (MG). Looks good 

isfactory grosses for Easter week, for $ 2 ,400. Last week, 'Cat and the 

although considerable short of top Fiddle' (MG) $2,100. 

figures.. Last week, normally one Boyd (2,400; 40-66-66) — 'Riptide' 

of the worst of the year, Bhowed / (MG). Looks like best thing house 

_ , , , , - ... ki , aU ■ has had in some time. .$17,000 week 

remarkable strength, business hold- Indlcited and a hold-over. Last 

ing up to estimates in most places wee k, 'As the Earth Turns' (WB) 
and such slumps is occurred being | $4,000 in three days. Played week 



WtUfc Alls 
WeDnMalo 



confined to narrow margins. All 
downtown houses closed until 8 p.m. 
on Good Friday, which cut into the 
week's figures somewhat. 



and f, half. 

Earle (2,000; 40-65-66)— 'Harold 
Teen' (WB) and vaude. Joe Penner 
headlines and the b.o. is ' doing a 



Hipp this week turns to a single riotous business. Looks as if gross 

feature policy with an Increase of will hit $40,000, a record. Six Bhows 

6c on top price. on Good Friday is unheard. of here; 

Lafayette is moving along to ex- seven oh the week-end days. Last 

cellent showings, figures here dur- week 'Long Lost Father' (RKO) and 

ing the last month or more being vaude. Only $14,000 for the much- 

considerably in excess of any of the advertised 10th anniversary week, 

other downtown first run double Fox (3,000; 30-40-60)— 'Bottoms 

feature houses. | Up' (Fox) and stage show. Looks 



good despite slow Good Friday start, 
$16,000 indicated. Last week '8 on 
a Honeymoon' (Fox) and stage 
show. $14,000. 

Karlton (1,000; 30-40-60)— 'Man of 



Estimates for This Week 
Buffalo (Shea) (3,600; 80-40-66)— 
_ _ •Riptide* (MG) and stage show. 

Swell campaign behind picture but opened nicely despite Good Friday, 
length of bill mitigates against any Shearer always favorite here and . . 

kind of turnover and will naturally show looks headed for $17,500. Last Two Worlds* (RKO). Getting quite 
hurt. Last week 'Good Dame* (Par) we ek *David Harum' (Fox) and a lot of newspaper attention because 
and Morton Downey, unit overesti- stage show. Benny Davis* unit it marks Francis Lederer's screen 
mated, but $18,750 considered fair made the show strong bh stage end, debut. Fairly good $3,500 indicated, 
enough for Holy Week. . Bettered $16,000. Last. week, 'Heat Lightning* (WB). 

Pitt (Shafer) (1,600; 15-26-40)_ 1 1 H j pp (S hea) (2,400; 26-40) — Weak $2,700. 

♦Wonder Bar* (WB). Heavy ad- Keith's (2,000; 26-36-40)— 'David 
vertising plug arid increase In scale Harum' (Fox) and vaude. Best 
should build business here under l we ek in some time expected. $8,000. 
new single feature policy. Open-'- _ _ 

ing Indicates $7,600. Last week 
Tou Can't Buy Everything* (MG) 



Believed in You' (Fox) and Joe 
Laurie, Jr.'s *Memory Lane Revue.' 
Bound to be talked about and should 
bring out the old-timers in droves. 
Looks like $7,600 or better, and 
that's plenty okay after dull ses- 



sions house has been having of late. d . Midghlpman jack' (Radio). 
Last week "Wine, Woman, Bong* 1 " - - - • 



lids Pop in Baltimore 

Gloom Chased by 'Riptide,' Hefty $18,< 

'Death* Wow 7G 



Baltimore, April 2.. 
Combination of lids popped off 
this week, the exhibs crawling out 
of both wintry and the Lenten 
cocoons. -. And in celebration' they 
have lined up one of the most shim- 
mering arrays of product the local 
scene has been favored with all 
season. - , , 

Two top riders are straight flicks 
spots, Stanley and Keith's. . Class 
fare oh tap at both, former having 
Riptide* and latter 'Death Takes a 
Holiday'. Norma Shearer film 
in town that could throng 'em Good 
Friday! though 'Holiday', which 
opened Thursday (29), held fairly. 
Rest of town starved, and that 
opening day b.o. stupefaction will 
hold down the grosses rather mark- 
edly, especially at the vaudfllmers. 

Auditorium relights with 'Dream 
of My People*, Yiddish flick grind 
ing at pop prices. First excursion 
into film policy this legiter has 
made this year and 'Dream is set 
Just, for the holiday .session, when 
house will . shroud again; 

Estimates for This Week 
Auditorium (Par-Mutual) (1,700; 
25*35-40-60)— Dream of My People' 
(indie). Yiddish talker started Sat 
urday _(31). Cantor Kos^bjatt a 
"fave^aricTif "any hiz'eventuatesrit'ir 
be his personal draft that effects it. 

Century (LoewrUA) (3,000; 26 
35-40-65-66) — 'Gambling ; . Lady* 
(WB) and 'Midway Nights' unit. 
Pic is the real backbone of the bill's 
-chances, the femmea especially cot- 
toning to it. Probably will reach 
$16,600 and that's nice. Last week 
'Mysterious Mr. X' and 'Broadway 
Round-up' unit snagged sound 
$15,500. 

Hippodrome (Rappaport) (2,600; 



Last week, 'Coming Out Party' 
(Fox) and vaude. Weak $6,600. 

Locust (1,200; 80-40-60— 'Scan- 

'•^Wrny the (SSf'ctfB) ind ion. K™ »"1 « «r<*nt *»,600. 

Cowboy' (Par). Ought to bring 
business back to around the $6,000 

figure. Last week 'Son of Kong* I (FN) and "Like It That Way' (U) 
(Radio) and 'Sleepers East' (Fox), fair at $8,800. 

Showed improvement and bettered Capitol (WB) (1,200; 16-25-35-60) 
estimate figures at $6,600. — 'Nana' (UA) and Death Takes a 

Lafayette (Ind.) (3,400; 26) — Holiday* (Par). Neither picture 
Love Birds* (U) and 'Madame Spy* likely to pull much here, but they 

. . . (U). Business still holding Up well may bring in a nice $4,600. Last 

shoppers who consult the. scriveners here. Should get around $6,000, week 'Bolero* (Par) and 'Cheaters' 
before opening their purses. Looks w hlch represents a drop due to the: (coi) week at" $3,600. 
to be just fair at $18,600. Last -week lact tlx at this. ":week includes pre- Little (Franklin) (299; 30-40)— 
'Success at Any Price* (Radio) and Easter Thursday, Friday and Sat- •Liebe Muss Verstanden Sein' (Ufa) 
Sally Rand oh rostrum, with latter urday , j^t week. 'Sin of Nora and "Madame Wunscht Keine Kin 
the b.o. ' shot-in-arm, got out a | Moran* (Maj) and 1 Like It That der' (Ufa). Not likely to get much 

Way' (U), slightly under estimates, 1 - - • 1 

but still good at $6,900. 



26-36-40-65-66)— 'Sing and Like It* 
(Radio), and vaude topped by 
Sophie Tucker. Crix spanked the 
pic and that means tough hurdling 
in a town studded with chary show 



sweet $16,000. 

Keith's (Schanberger) (2,600; 26- 
30-35-40-60)— 'Death Takes a Holl 
day' (Par). Earmarked a winner 
from the moment the barrier -was 
sprung. Rolling up an impressive 
$7,000 or better. Means a h.b. Last 
week, 'Countess of Monte Cristo' 
(U) dipped under $2,900, poor. 

New (Mechanic) (1,800; 25-30-35- 
40-60)— 'Bottoms Up' (Fox) started' 
sluggishly, but has begun to build, 
pic getting well-repped through 



over the regular. $.500. Last week 
hardly got that with 'Brothers 
KaramazoV and 'Der Herr Burovor- 
steher,* both oldies. 

Loew's State (2,780; 16-76)— 
'Queen Christina' (MG) and vode. 
Garbo should do well, though hoth- 



'Dame' and Earl Carroll 

If V A 1T AAA • II —1 I Garbo should do well, though hoth- 
. Unit M/.UUU ID PIOWarK ihg like her old grosses, at around 



$16,000. Last week 'Palooka' (UA) 
and 'Dancing Honeymoon' on stage 
fair at over $12,500. 

Newark (Adams-Par) (2,248; 16- 



Newark, April 2, 

word- e of-mo\th WB If^^^^^ we^ I 99)-*Good Dame' (Par) and 'Earl 

wora-or-mouin. 11 erusa can ream u. i j .^imnu I r>a»nii'« ir««i+i««.> At loot 

the $5,000 present pace indicates, it 



end, making it hard to estimate I Carroll's Vanities' on stage. At last 
grosses correctly. However, It is I a break and running five shows, 
plain that after several lean weeks though the film meaning little. Fine 
the Newark will be near tops with $17,000 or better. Last week 'Ma* 
Earl Carroll Vanities' on the stage rlnes' (Par) and 'Evening in Paris,' 
and 'Good Dame' on the screen, unit, feeble with $8,000. 
Hepburn at Proctor's in 'Spitfire,* Proctor's (RKO) (2,300; 25-35-40- 
br^k""after Vlong, gloomy "Lent I and Garbo at Loew's in 'Queen 66-60-75-85)— 'Spitfire' (Radio) and 
that meant almost weeldy carmine Christina,' are sure to mean nice vode. Hepburn got a fine review 
W the lffdgeTSY^ 



will probably be held over. Last 
week, second of 'George White's 
Scandals' (Fox), $3,000; oke. 

Stanley (Loew-UA) (3,460; 26-36- 
40-65-66)— 'Riptide' (MG). This 
elephantine deluxer finally gets a I 



spring tonic the burg needed ap 
parently, and a hefty $18,000 is a 
cinch. Last week, 'Journal of 
Crime' (FN) fluttered under $9,000, 
poor. 

.Valencia (Loew-UA) ... (1,000; 25 
86) — 'No More Women' (Par) Lowe 



Business last week was not so around $16,000. Last week T»avid 



good, naturally/, but there was :an 
enormous crowd downtown and ap- 
parently buying, which is a good 
indication of future grosses. 

Estimates for This Week 
l~Bfandford' (WB) (2,966f"16*66)— 



McLaglen team, has fair following 'Jimmy the Gent* (WB) and 'Coun 
hereabouts that will take care of tess of Monte Cristo' (U). Cagney 
this spot with agreeable $3,600. name will help this bill and he got 
Last week, 'She Made Her Bed* good notices. Probably $10,000 or 
(Par) inconsistent $2,900. I better. Last week •Dark Hazard' 



Harum' (Fox) and 'Passing Show* 
unit, mild at over $12,600. 

Terminal (Skouras) (1,900; 16-25- 
40)— 'Sing and Like It' (Radio) and 
•Lost Patrol' (Radio). Should mean 
business on a dual. IPdsstmy as 
high as $4,700. Last week 'Coming 
Out Party' (Fox) and 'Line Up 
(Col) with 'Criminal at. Large 
(Heller) and 'Carolina' (Fox), split, 
good at $4,300. 



Tuesday. April 3, 1934 



PICT 



E CltS S E S 



VARIETY 



Loop Looks Up; 'Gambling L 
At $36,000; 'Riptide' Rip-s 
Wow $21000 at U. A.; 




Chicago, April 2. 

. Business la up this week as the 
town, sheds the Lenten restraint. 
fMobs are hitting It for- the loop 
once more ..and the bulk of the 
downtown houses are noticing It in 
a hearty upward swing at the till. 
Attractions and admission prices 
still count, however, with the 
weaker theatrical shows showing 
little individual Improvement. 

B. & K. flagship/Chicago rides to 
the forefront where it belongs and 
Indicates a healthy week with 
•Gambling Lady' on the screen and 
the 'Blackbirds' unit on the stage. 
Entire show getting favorable 
notices, and word-of -mouth which 
presages a. general buila-up 
throughput the week. 

. Other winner of the loop is *Ripr 
tide', which looks good despite its 
Saturday opening. B. & K. is 
about ready to quit these Saturday 
starting days since they always 
send the pictures «*way on a false 
start. With mid week. opening pic- 
tures on good notices are able to 
climb to a terrific Saturday gross, 
but when the pictures open right 
on that day the public doesn't know 
just how to take it. B, & K. is 
finding that Saturday getaways 'are 
hurting rather than helping the 
final take. 

Estimates for is Week 
Chicago (B. & K,) (3,840; 36-55- 
75)— 'Gambling Lady' (WB) and 
'Blackbirds* unit . oh stage. Reports 
good all along the line and business 
is rising from the gong.. Hitting it 
up to $36,000, pleasant. Last week 
was pitiful for 'Good Dame' (Par) 
and a hopeless stage line-up, with 
the 'gross knuckling under, at bad 
$23,900. 

McVickers (B. & K.) (2,284; 25- 
86-65) — *George White Scandals' 
(Fox) (2nd week). Took fine 
$14,100 last week and goes into sec-, 
ond session with plenty of indica- 
tions for hold-up to good $8,000. 
'Wonder Bar* (WB) due to replace 
Saturday (7). 

Oriental (B. & K.) (2,300; 25-35- 
40 1 )— 'Dark Hazard' (WB) and 
vaude. Off somewhat from previous 
week as Milton Berle goes into 
hold-over. Still good gross, how- 
ever, at $16,000. No question, of 
business here. The problem is hold- 
ing down the house overhead, which 
makes genuine profits difficult to 
achieve. Last week 'No More 
Women' (Par) boosted take to 
$17,700. 

Palace (RKO) (2,583; 40-60-83)— 
This Man Is Mine' (RKO) and 
vaude. Buddy Rogers headlining. 
But nothing helping here this week. 
Competition is too tough for the 
ekimpy show this house is deliver- 
ing for the money. Down to $17,000. 
Last week was even worse at°$15,600 
for 'Lost Patrol' (RKO) and 'New 
Yorkers' unit on the rostrum. 

Roosevelt (B. & K.) (1,500; 25-35- 
45)— 'It Happened One Night' (Col). 
Last week $9,900 and likely $5,400 
currently. 'Six of a Kind* *Par) 
due to follow. 

State- Lakep (Jones) (2,700; 25-36- 
40) — 'Cross Country Cruise' (U) and 
vaude. $13,000 average gross. Last 
week $12,900, with 'Sleepers East' 
(Pox). 

United Artists (B. & K.-UA) 
(1,700; 35-45-65)— 'Riptide' (MG). 
Saturday (31). Going into a win- 
ning session delivering best gross 
house has seen in months at $22,000. 
•Catherine the Great? (UA) finished 
short session to $9,000 for first 
week. 



Melody' Ho-Hum $20,000 
At Brooklyn Paramount 



Brooklyn^ April 2. 

Picture fare at the downtown 
houses is fair.: But attendance Is 
mild. Majority of citizens went to 
Coney Island's boardwalk for the 
Sabbath and ignored film houses. 
Estimates for This Week 

Paramount (Par) (4,000; 25-35- 
50-65), 'Melody In Spring' (Par) and 
stage show featuring Borrah Mine- 
vitch. Will be lucky to get $20,000. 
Last week, 'Marines' (Par) got 
$20,000, weaklsh. 

Fox (Conco) (4,000; 25-35-50)', 
'Hold That Girl' cFox) and stage 
show. In vicinity of $13,300, satis- 
^fac.tOEy.==Last=^week7=?GomIng^Out 
Party' (Fox) $14,000, oke. 

A(bee (RKO) (3,500; 25-35.-50), 
Bottoms Up' (Fox) and vaude. 
Mebbe $16,000, mild. Last week, 
Scandals' (Fox), $17.60.0. 

Loew's Metropolitan (Loew) 
(2,400; 25^35-50) 'Riptide* (MGFand 
vaude. Tolerable $18,000 in view. 
Last week, 'Show Off did $14,000, 
brodie. 

Strand (WB) (2,000; 25-35-50), 
Wonder Bar' (WB), okay at $11,000. 
Last week. 'Heat Li htning' (WB), 
?u,^Oo weak. 



WEATHER WORRIES LINC. 



'Wonder Bar' Swell $3,800, 
erine' Oke $800 



'GAMBLING LADY' $4,000 

•White Scandals/ $6,000, i So- So 
Seattle 



Lincoln, April 2. 

Now that this Holy Week thing is 
over, the theatres are shooting with 
both barrels, at all possible patron-, 
age. , 'Wonder Bar' was boosted into 
the minds of the public by a pre- 
viewing Friday (30) and gets the 
week at the de-luxe Stuart. \. . 

Weather is principal worry. Typi-' 
cal Nebraska climate is in vogue, 
with the mercury at 70 above at 
noon and. 10 above at nightfall with 
snow. Out here it's the quandary 
season between flannels and fans. 
However, purse strings pulled so 
tight during the 40 -day privation 
period will surely bust all over the 
b.o.'s this week. 

Estimates for This Week 

Capitol (Livingston) (850; 10-16), 
'Chance at Heaven' (Radio) and 
•Cradle Song* (Par) duale'. Not so 
forte, but will cash: In on post- 
Easter parade for $1,300, oke. Last 
week "Wharf Angel* (Par) and 
•Madame Spy* (U) dualed; was a 
smear; $800. 

Colonial (LTC) (750; 10-16), 
•Devil Tiger' (Fox)., Will probably 
run all week; Exploitation making 
a lot out of Clyde Elliott's being a 
Nebraska boy and once a news- 
paper man here on the Journal. 
Neat $1,100 expected. Last week 
'Good-bye Love* (Par) and 'Orient 
Express' (Fox) double -billed and 
'Keep 'Em Rolling' (Par) split for 
an average $800. 

Lincoln (LTC) (1,600; 10-15-25), 
It Happened One Night'. ' (Col). 
Maybe $3,600. Last week 'Cat and 
the Fiddle* (MG) stood up very 
nicely under the h.w, pressure. Take 
neared $2,600. 

Orpheum (LTC) (1,200; 10-16- 
25-40), 'This Mail Is Mine' (Radio) 
and 'This Side of Heaven* (MG) 
with Georgia Minstrels on stage, 
split. Mighty sweet $2,600 expected. 
Last week 'Way to Love' (Pa r) and 
'I've Got Your Number' (WB) with 
vaude, split, was very fair, $i,900rx 

State (Monroe) (500; 10-15-25), 
•Catherine the Great' (UA) in this 
class pic house may be an able 
taker. However, $800 will be con- 
sidered nice enough. Last week 1 
Loved. You Wednesday' (Fox) 
moved sluggishly, $600. 

Stuart (LTC) (1,900; 10-25-40), 
•Wonder Bar* (WB). Helped by an 
opening midnlte prevue Friday (SO), 
will shove into the town's biggest 
money at $3,800. Last week "Death 
Takes a ■ Holiday* (Par) was a dis- 
appointer and pitched into noth- 
ingness, $2,000. 

RIPTIDE' AT $9,200 
INDIANAPOLIS' BEST 



Indianapolis, April 2. 

Easter week had brought with It 
no general increase in business. 
Grosses are hitting around the aver- 
age marks of the past few 'weeks 
except in the . case of Loew's Palace 
which Is stepping out handsomely 
to knock off $9,200 on 'Riptide.' 
That's the best take in weeks in- 
cluding even the occasional bills 
with stage attractions at higher ad- 
mission prices.. 

Estimates for This Week 

Apollo (Fourth Ave.) (1,100; 20- 
25-40)— 'George White's Scandals' 
(Fox). Opened fairly well but 
under expectations with a figure of 
$4,300 looming up; moderately. good. 
Last week 'David Harum' (Fox) fin- 
ished its fourth week very strong at 

$4,000; 

Circle (Katz-Feld) (2,600; 26-40) 
— 'Wonder Bar" (FN). Opened very 
big but quickly sagged due to luke- 
warm reception by patrons. Will 
reach a disappointing gross of $6,- 
600 in nine days of trying. This is 
only a jump or two above average. 
Last week 'Journal of Crime* (FN) 
lasted only five days, garnering $2,- 
000; very light. 

Indiana (Katz-Feld) (3,100; 20-26- 
40)r-'This Man Is Mine' (RKO) and 
'Man of Two Worlds' (RKO), dual 
hill, is quite sluggish at $3,100. Last 
week 'Success at Any Price' (RKO) 
and 'Two Alone' (RKO), also dual, 
wound up to a brutal $2,600. 

Lyric (OlsOn) (2,000; 20^25-40)-^ 
.'Dark Hazard--(FN)-and 'Broadway 
Merry-Go -Aound' unit on stage. 
Satisfactory, but no better than 
that, with a gross of $6,600. Last 
week 'Let's Be Ritzy' (U) and 
'Sweet and Lowdown* unit on Btage 
went over very neatly with $7,100, 
okay?* 7 ' ' 

Palace (Loew's) (2,800; 25-40)— 
'Riptide' (MG). Best biz since 
'Roman Scandals' with a very big 
total of $9,200, which might possibly 
mean a holdover. Last week 'This 
Side of Heaven' (MG) landed in the 
depths with only $3,700, miserable. 



Seattle, April 2. 
Whole town is. brighter with Holy 
Week, and Lent out of. the way. 
Prices at Paramount step up a 
neckel this week. 

Estimates for This Week 

Blue Mouse (Hamrick) (1,000; 26- 
36)— 'Palooka' (UA). Expected to 
take nice $3,000. Last week,. 'Jim- 
my the Gent' (WB) didn't hold up 
second weekj pulled after five days, 
$1,400, bad. 

Coliseum (Evergreen) (1,800; 15- 
.26) —'Should Ladies Behave! (MGM) 
and 'House on 66th St.' (WB) ; 
dual, first half, 'Sons of Desert' 
(MGM) and 'Lady Killer' (WB) last 
half, anticipated to garner good 
$3,200. Last week, 'Mr. Skitch' 
(Fox) and -Miss Fane's Baby Is 
Stolen' (Par), dual, fair, $3,500. 

Fifth Avenue (Evergreen) (2,400; 
26-40)— 'George White's Scandals' 
(Fox). Off to fair start, looks to 
reach $6,000. Last week, 'Bolero' 
(Par), slow, $6,000. 

Liberty (J-vH) (1,900; 15-26-36) 
—It Happened One Night' (Col). 
Figured at $6,000. Last week, , same 
film, $7,100. 

Musio Box (Hamrick) (950; 25- 
35)— 'Gambling Lady' (WB). Ex- 
pected to annox $4,000, good. Last 
week, 'Nana' (UA), second week, 
$2,700, slow, after good opener. 

Orpheum (Oldknow) (2,700; 
35)— 'Blood Money*: (UA) and 'Jour- 
nal of a Crime* (FN), dual, play- 
ing up former. Around $4,300, fair. 
Last week, '4 Frightened People' 
(Par), and 'I Like It That Way* 
(U), dual, $3,800. 

Paramount (Evergreen) (3,106; 
25-36)— 'Cat and the Fiddle' (MGM) 
with stage. Will rate.arounC $7,300. 
Last week (20-30 cents), /Good 
Dame' (Par) with talent contest a 
real help, packing house Monday 
night for finals, around $6,300, good. 



Portland Hoopla! 
W $13,000; Tide 
$8,500; Mite 8G 



Portland, Ore., April 2. 

Big times are expected this week 
by most of the houses and every- 
thing indicates that it should turn 
out that way. 

There will be lots of competition 
but the Packer Broadway will get; 
the most attention with 'Wonder 
Bar' (WB). Lots of dough has been 
spent on this pic Next runner up 
will be 'Scandals' (Fgx) at the 
Paramount. Manager expects this 
pic to do more than any other since 
house was reopened. 

•Riptide' (MGM) at the United 
Artists will get its feig share. This 
theatre always does consistent biz. 

Holy Week had the boys in a 
sweat but the good shows were 
held for this week. Lent means 
more here than was thought. 

Pantages bill Is . shared by 'Jazz- 
mania of 34/ a unit with 50 per- 
sons. 'Uncle • Tom's Cabin' con- 
tinues to . be the attraction at the 
Old American, with lots of boiled 
shirts in evidence nightly. 

Estimates for This Week 

Broadway (Parker) (2,000; 25-40) 
— 'Wonder Bar* (WB). This looks 
like it will be the big shot of the 
season, so far. Pic has been given 
everything, and will, do a hig $13,- 
000. Last week, *No More Wom- 
en* (Par) and 'The Poor Rich' (U) 
was just so-so at a fair $4,800. 

United Artists (Parker) (1,000; 
26-40)— 'Riptide* (MGM). This will 
carry a socko punch for the many 
Shearer fans here, good for a 
prospective. $8,600. Last week,. 
'Good Dame' (Par) was weak with 
$3,100. 

Paramount (FWC) (3,000; 25-40) 
— 'George White's Scandals' (Fox) 
and 'I Believe In You' (Fox), dual 
program. The former looks like a 
major bang up week for this house 
and should have no trouble In do- 
ing $8,000, which will be very neat. 
Last week, 'Three On a Honey- 
moon* (Col) and 'Ninth Street' 
(Fox) split bill, just did fair, with 
$3,200. 

Music Box (Hamrick) (1,400; 25- 
36)— 'Harold Teen* (WB). Special 
tie-up With daily running the 
funny strip comic might bring the 
b.o. an average $3,600. Last week, 
"Four Frightened People' (Par), 
fair at $2,900. 



Pantages (S&M) (1,800; 15-25)— 
'World Gone Mad' (M) and 'Jazz- 
mania of 34' on the stage.. Latter 
may raise the ante for this house 
slightly for a better total at $2,700. 
Last week, 'Blood Mone^. (UA)_g_ot 
by without much, attention at 
$1,900, poor. 

Oriental (Hamrick) (2,500; 25-35) 
—'Eight Girls in a Boat' (Par) and 
'Lost Patrol* (Radio), will bet the 
same old story at about $2,200. Last 
week, 'Moulin Rouge' (l 7 A>. also 
average, with $2,100, 



B way Film Trade Okay Despite 
Lent, Weather; 'Riptide'-Whiteman 
Nif ty ^ : 'Cargo' 'Patrol' 3I)G 



. Lent faded out Saturday night 
(31) with the rainstorm but be- 
tween the two the casualties were . 
only minor scratches. Although the 
hew attractions started out toward 
the, end of Holy Week, the major- 
ity proved strong enough to defeat 
this bugaboo.' The average man- 
ager along Broadway believes the 
all night downpour Saturday caused 
greater damage. . 

Good booking figured for Easter 
Week. The Music Hail put Frank 
Buck in on a personal . with, his . 
picture, 'Wild Cargo,* and that 
helped there. Additionally the 
house pointed to the kids which are 
being attracted in large numbers. 

At the Paramount, George Raft 
on a personal is supporting draft 
for 'Melody in Spring.* Loew's : 
chose its strongest, picture laying, 
in wait for the Capitol, 'Riptide,' 
and shoved- it in there with Paul 
Whiteman oh the stage. The Rial to 
considered 'Lost Patrol' its best 
gamble for Easter week and the 
State brought in 'Moulin Rouge' as 
its likeliest possibility. 

In all of these houses, plus the 
Rdxy and RKO Center, both of 
which are doing better than they 
have been for weeks, the business 
is good. 

C a p i t o 1 leads the vanguard. 
House had its biggest Friday in a 
long time and looks for $60,000, 
perhaps more. 'Riptide,' Norma 
Shearer's first since 'Smilln' 
Through,' and the Whiteman stage 
show was booked in for two weeks, 
with an option by Loew for two ad- 
ditional weeks. A third maybe, a 
fourth unlikely. 

'Wild Cargo? at the Music - Hall 
will hit $90,000 easily, very fine con- 
sidering that here, where the week 
starts oh Thursdays, there were 
three days* of Lent still to con- 
tend with. Will not holdover, how- 
ever. 

The real surprise is 'Lost Patrol,' 
which at capacity since opening, 
and getting $14,000 on Saturday and 
Sunday, will run its first week to a 
mighty $30,000. This is the most 
the Rlalto has done Blnce Arthur 
Mayer took over its operation. Al- 
though 'Patrol' has no women in 
Its cast and appeals strictly to the 
men, it got unusually , good reviews, 
including from the femme critics. 
On Saturday night the house 
ground until 4 a.m. At 11 a.m. yes- 
terday (Monday) sale of tickets was 
stopped with the. 'house filled up.. 
Picture remains a second week, 
maybe three. : 

The Paramount started off under 
expectations Friday (30) but gath- 
ered momentum over the week end 
and should hit $44,000 or so, good. 
Raft, on the personal, is credited 
with majority of draw. 

With 'CoUntess of Monte Cristo,' 
the Roxy Improves its position, 
around $26,000 suggested, a little 
profit. , 

The Rivoll was planning to take 
'Catherine' out today (Tuesday) 
after two weeks but after holding 
its own well through Holy Week 
at $25,600 ending tonight (Tuesday), 
it was decided to retain it another 
week with Lent removed as a draw- 
back. 'Looking for -Trouble' Is 
scheduled to open April 11. 

•Rothschild* at the Astor wasn t 
hurt by Lent, at all. On Its second 
week ending last Wednesday (28), 
the gross was $23,600, beatln.gr the 
first seven days' take N by $3,600. 
Indications are that the third week 
will match the second,' since on 
the first five days of the current 
(3d) heat, the gross is $19,600, only 
$100 behind the same five days of 
the previous week. Arllss pic re- 
mains lndef. 

•Moulin RoUge* at the State is 
doing fine; expects to top $17,000. 
Palace has 'Bottoms Up/ not likely 
to go over $12,000. 

Warner Bros, brings a. new one 
into the Strand tonight (Tuesday), 
'Gambling Lady.' Cagney's 'Jimmy 
the Gent' held over only three days 
of a second week. It got $22,800 oij 
its first week, fine, and on the final 
three days probably will gross 
$7,000. 

Metro opens "Viva Villa' on a 
two-a-day $2 top run at the Cri- 
terion Friday (6). . 

Rothafel and his Gang, which' 
opened strong this week at the 
Metropolitan, Boston, comes into 
the Paramount the same day. 
3 Estimates for 7 This We ek.. 

Astor (1,012; $1.10-$1.65-$2.20)— 
'Rothschild' (UA) (3d week). Last 
week, picture's second, it got $23,500, 
beating the first seven days by $3,- 
500. arid playing to. capacity right 
along. jFirst five days of the current 
~( third) week the takings are "$19,500, 
just $100 under the same five days 
of the previous week. 

Capitol (5,400; 35-75-85-$1.10)— 
'Rip Tide' (MG) and Paul Whiteman 
orchestra on stage. Shearer starrer 
the big draft and with Whiteman on 
the stage for stout support, it all 



will spell a big $60,000 or more. 
Holds over. Last week, second of 
'Show Oft? (MG) and personal en-' 
gagements. of Durante, Holtz and 
Polly . Moran, $35,000. This was get- 
ting close, to a kickback on holdover 
of profits shown the first week. 

Mayfair (2,200; 35-56-65)— 'Ever 
Since Eve' ( Fox). Not what the 
doctor ' would order . for Walter 
Reade, and lucky that it wasn't un- 
der. $8,400, just getting by; <Lazy 
River' (MG), originally scheduled 
for the Capitol, opened on a preview 
last night (Monday). 

Palace (i.700; 35-40-66-75)— •Bot- 
toms Up* (Fox) and vaude. "New 
opposition from the Casino up the 
street under an all vaude policy 
may cut In here a little. Probably 
around $12,000 this week/ Last week 
'Scandals' (Fox) under $11,000, poor. 

Paramount (3,664; 36-55- 1 75-99)— 
'Melody in Spring' (Par) and Btage 
show/ George. Raft on a personal 
holding up house to a probable $44,- 
000, good. Last week 'Come On 
Marines' (Par) only $20,000, red. 

Radio City Music Hall (6,946; 40- 
60-86-99-$1.65)-r.'Wlld Cargo '(RKO) 
and stage house show. Frank Buck 
In on a personal went after the kids 
over Easter, and on the week results 
will be a happy $90,000. without 
trouble. Gross may go to $96,000 
with weather breaks. This contrasts 
severely with last week's disap- 
pointing $70,000 on 'Bottoms Up' 
(Fox). 

Rialto (2,000; 35-40-65)— «Lost Pa- 
trol* (RKO). Arthur Mayer cele- 
brating the highest gross- by far he 
will have run up — -$30,000 or more. 
'Every Woman' (Col) last week got 
$11,200. 

ivoll (2,200; 40-65-76-85)— 'Cath- 
erine' (UA) (2d week). Finishes Its 
second week tonight (Tuesday) at 
estimated $26,600, nice considering 
Holy Week and stays a third, 'Look- 
ing for -Trouble' (UA) not. coming In 
until April 11. 

RKO Center (3,626; 25-40)— 'One 
Night' (Col). Expectations of $12,- 
000, much better than house has 
been doing; sorrowful $8,000 last 
week on 'David Harum' (Fox) and 
'Ninth Guest' (Col), spilt. 

Roxy (6,200; 25-35-65-65)— 'Monte 
Cristo' (U) and stage show. Under 
$20,000 again last week on 'Hold 
That Girl' (Fox), this big house 
jumps ahead for a change to. $25,000 
or better, which will show up some 
profit. 

Strand (2,900; 35.-66-76-85)— 'Jim- 
my the Gent' (WB) (2d week). Re- 
tained for three days on the hold- 
over, ending tonight (Tuesday), with 
about $7,000 for that period after a 
claimed first week of $22,800. : 'Gam- 
bling Lady* (WB) opens on a pre- 
view tonight (Tuesday). 

State (2,300; 35-65-75)— 'Moulin 
Rouge' (UA) and vaude. Bennett - 
musical opened strong and should 
hurdle a good $17,000. 'Cat and the 
Fiddle' (MG), In ahead, skirted 
$16,000. 



Penner Short Billed 
Over 'Gambling Lady'; 
'Marines/ $530, Nice 



New Haven, April 2. 

That gushing Bound you hear 
around this town Is the managerial 
sigh of relief over the. passing of 
Lent, Things picking up and de- 
spite stormy weekend, look to build 
satisfactory totals last half. 

•Elysia', playing a nabe house on 
first run, was . originally booked five 
days and held oyer for total of nine, 
with a neat profit on the books. 
Estimates For This Week 

Paramount (Publlx) (2,348; 
50)— 'Come on Marines' (Par), 
ed by Mary Small, radio singer,- oh 
stage, looks good for oke $5,300. 
Last week 'Wharf Angel' (Par) and 
'Beggars in Ermine* (Mono). So-so 
at $4,200. 

Poll's (Poll) (3^40; 35-50)— 'Rip- 
tide' (MG) and 'Sing and Like If 
(RITO). Big $10,000 in_vlew. Last 
week 'Mysterious Mr. X' (MG) and 
Love Birds' (U). Passed $8,000 for. 
nice Holy Week figure. 

Roger 8herman (WB) (2,200; 35- 
50)— 'Gambling Lady* (WB). Bol- 
stering this bill with Dorothy 
Stone's 'Look For the Silver Lining' 
and^a^roe-«PenneT^-"shwtr^HDTis^ = 
cashing in oh the Penner craze by 
billing- Penner film above the fea- 
ture. Should pick Up satisfactory 
$5,200. Last week 'Long Lost 
Father' (RKO) and 'Big Shako- 
down* (WB). . Low at $4,200, 

College (Poll) (1,565; 26-40)— 
•Lost Patrol' (RKO) and 'Countess 
of Monte Cristo* (U). On way to 
nice $4,800. Last week 'Happened 
One Night' (f!ol) and 'Lineup' (Col), 
tflnal week (3rd) surprisedby hold- 
ing up to $4,100, bringing run's to- 
tal grops to $22,100, 



10 



VARIETY 



PICTURE CROSSES 



Tuesday, April 3, 1931 



'Riptide' $17« Cincy Smacko 

'Bottoms Up' $8,000 ^- 'Gambling Lady* 
$4,700— This Man Is Mine' $4,000 



Cinci nati, pr.ir 2. 
ipti Shearing ' such a . fast ; 

pace in Cincy's Easter cinema b.o. 
sprint that ail other entries are 
completely outdistanced. Even Good 
Friday didn't keep 'Riptide' from 
beating the barrier^r-to surpass, all 
Friday takes of Palace this season 
on all-film. Reviewers popped mud- 
dle J opinions on pix Saturday (31), 
yet lines of ticket buyers, continued. 

RKO's smallie Grand goes vaude- 
fllrii Friday (6) by adding five acts 
and continuing present pop scale of 
25-35C. Theatre will be idle day 
before policy is changed to allow, 
for stage furnishings:. Grand was 
Erlanger legit temple for many 
years up to. '32, when. Taft estate: 
ownership switched lease. Initial 
bill to be headlined by Joe Howard 
and Co.. and :will include Sully and 
Thomas . and George Lyons, with 
two : to fill. Acts booked by Dick 
Bergen of RKO Chicago office. For 
new setup, A. J. 'Happy' Meininger 
is switching from RKO Capitol to 
a6t as manager, with Erwin Bock 
transferring from Gi'and to Capitol 
in same capacity.. 

Estimates for This Week 

Palace (RKO) (2,600; 35-44)— 'Rip- 
tide' (MG)i Norma Sheared high 
tiding. Cricks are undecided as to 
merits of story, etc., but the public 
Isn't. Terrific start points to $17,- 
000, smacko. Last week 'Coriie on. 
Marines' (Par) responded with $7,-. 
500 tempo. 

Alpee (RKO) (3,300; 36-44)— 'Bot- 
toms Up' (Fox). Thumbs-down get- 
away Indicates a tussle for $8,000. 
Last week 'Spitfire' (RKO) in sec- 
ond week grabbed a comfy $6,000, 
following $11,000 on first 7 days. 

- Lyric (RKO) (1,394, 35-44)— 
•Looking for Trouble' (UA) extraed 
with Disney's 'Funny Bunnies.' A 
so-s.. $5,500 in sight. Last week 
'Scandals' (Pox); rvitched from 
Palace for continued first run, $5,- 
000, . nice, after: $13,000 in initial 

Keith* (Libson) (1,500; 30-40)— 
'Gambling Lady' (WB). Barbara. 
Stanwyck in the " heavy billing. 
Mild notices. Early take looks like 
$4,700 all light. Last week 'Heat 
Lightning' (WB) $3,606, okay, . 

Capitol (RKO) (2,000; 36-44)— 
•This Man is. Mine' (RKO). Big 
type to Irene Dunne. Feeble begin- 
ning and $4,000 at top, regrets. Last 
week 'Search Beauty' (Par), $3,200, 
poor. 

Grand (RKQ) (1,026; 25-35)— 
♦Lost Patrol' (RKO) in for five 
days, $1,60.0, not so worse. Last 
week 'No More Women' " (Par),. 
$2,200, best for. some time. 

Family (RKO) (1,000; 15-25)— 
'Fighting Ranger* (Col) and 'Once 
to Every Woman' (Col), divided. 
Buck Jones big stuff at this stand 
and whooping it up for $1,900, above 
average. Lobby display of old 
Western shooting irons a traffic 
halter. Last week 'Ever Since Eve' 
(Fox) ahd 'Hold That Girl' (Fox), 
split, $1,600. 

Strand (Ind) (1,200; 25-35)— 'I 
Like it That Way' (U) and five vode 
acts topped by Tom Lomas troupe 
Good screen and rostrum combo 
fetching $2,700, nice. Last week 
'Murder on Campus' (FD) and 
vaude, $2,100. 



to the task at $4,750, made possible 
by increasing, the capacity of- the 
house. Very good. Last week 'Mas- 
socre'. (WB) and 'Sigma . Chi' 
(Mono) held their own against holy 
week at $3,400, nearly average. 

Orpheum (Blank) (2,976; 26-35-. 
50)— 'Jimmy the Gent' ( WB) and 
F&M unit 'Laugh It -Off.'' Fair at- 
traction ,all the way around and 
with upped top may do $10,000.. 
Good enough, but nothing excep- 
tional. Last week T Was a Spy' 
(Fox) arid 'Love Birds' . (U) proved 
a couple , of softies at $5,500. 

World (Blank) (2,100; 25-35) — 
'Palooka* (UA) and 'Orient Express' 
(Fox). House has something to ad- 
vertise, with the credit going to the 
fight film. Looks $4,000, good 
enough; Last week 'In the Money' 
(Chcs) and 'Sin. of Nora Moran' 
(MaJ) couldn't live rip to _the name 
of the first, and brought, in only 
around $3,000. 



Units Perk Loew's 
Montreal to $14,000; 
Hepburn Fair $9,500 



Montreal, April 2. 
Lent over, fine . weather, hockey 
play-offs ended arid no counter- 
attractions in sight should provide 
a boost in grosses current week, 
with Loew's easily topping the main 
stems but with the other houses 
getting their bit, too. Election meet- 
ings won't hurt any all this week. 

Loew's opening with extra smart 
vaude units ballyhooed to be the 
best, ever, and a fair pic' Good 
Dame' (Par) looks for an easy $14,- 
000, which , will be standout gross 
these times. 

Capitol .has cut prices from 60c 
to 50c top and goes info a double 
feature policy at the same time. 

Estimates for This Week 

Palace (PP.)- (2,700; 60)— 'David 
Harum' (Pox) and 'Devil Tiger' 
(Fox). Looks $9,000, ^yhich will be 
a nice gross if not fading after good 
opening nite. Last week 'Fugitive 
Lovers'. ..(MG), and Tou Can't Buy 
Everything' (MG) not so good at 
$7,000. 

Capitol (PP) (2,700; 50)— 'Spitfire' 
(Radio) and 'Right to Romance' 
(Radio). Trying out double bill, at 
reduced top, may bring gross to fair 
$9,500. Last week 'Bolero* (Par). 
Couldn't do better than $7,000,. but 
Holy Week the reason. 

Loew's (PP) (3,200; 65)— 'Good 
Dame* (Par) and 'Melody Mad Pa- 
rade* unit, prez, Jimmy Adams 
looks for $14,000 and maybe more, 
and may get it on first nite re 
turns. Last week 'Hips, Hips, 



Hooray' (Radio) and under-average 
vaude disappointed at $8,600. 

Princess (CT) (1,900; 60)— 'Mou- 
lin Rouge' (UA) and 'Fury of Jungle' 
(Col). Average show, promises 
around $6,000. About $5,600 was last 
week's goss on 'Fashion Follies 
1934' (WB) and 'Once to Every 
Woman* (Radio). 

. Cinema de Paris (France-Film) 
(600; 60) — 'Tempete sous un Crane.' 
Should average usual $1,000. Last 
week's repeat of 'Le Petit Roi' 
grossed $800. 

SCANDALS' 25G, 
JOLSON 20G, 
WASH. OKAY 



Washington, April 2. 
With HoW Week slump failing 
to materialize sufficiently to bother 
any house particularly, Easter week 
isn't , looking to .-give, any special 
pickup. Beautiful weather sent 
everybody scampering into the 
highway and* byways, in daytime, 
but nights in general are oke. 

All spots had been saving up ace 
pica for expected return of pros- 
perity and town was- swamped with 
exploitation over week-end. Al Jol- 
son did personal one show at Earle 
to give 'Wonder Bar' sendoff. 
Estimates For This Week 
Fox (Loew) (3,434; 25-35-60)— 
'Scandals' (Fox) and vaude. Thurs- 
ton on stage is drawing nicely. 
Coupled with Vallee and White's 
pUll week should get very good 
$25,000. Last week 'No More 
Women' (Par) oke $18,500.. 

Earle (WB) (2,424; 25-35-40-60) 

—'Wonder Bar' (WB) and vaude: 

Jolson in person at one show gave 
it nice- start and looks like $20,000, 
big. Last week 'Jimmy the Gent' 
(WB) without much help from 
stage drew light $12,500. 

Keith's (RKO) (1,830; 25-35-50) 
—•Wild Cargo' (RKO). Big cam- 
paign but looks like only satisfac- 
tory $8,000. Last week 'One Night' 
(Col), $8,000 for fifth week. 

Palace (Loew) (2,363; 26-35-60)— 
'Riptide' (MG). Plenty of bally gave 
big opening and headed for big 
$22,000. Last week 'Eskimo' (MG)^ 
didn't better light $9,000. : . 

Rialto (U) (1,853; 25-35-40-60)— 
Monte Crlsto* (U). Slightly better 
than average, $5,600. Last week, 
Love Birds* (U), Summerville- 
Pitts, fair for $4,600. 

Met (WB) (1,683; 25-40)— 'Glory' 
(Col). Advance man put plenty of 
work on this playing down kid 
angle and up war stuff. Opening 
pretty good and maybe $6,000; 
pretty nice. Last week 'Once to 
Every Woman' ' (WB) not so hot 
with $4,500. 

Columbia (Loew) (1,263; 26-35- 
40)— 'David Harum' (Fox), Back 
on main stem after week at Palace 
and shooting at big $5,500: Last 
week 'Gallant Lady' (UA), also re- 
turned after week at Palace, nice 
$5,000. 



Comparative Grosses for March 



Total grosses during March for towns and houses listed as previ- 
ously reported weekly* Dates given are the closing day of the week. 

NEW YORK 



Hub Purrs; 'Rothschild' 




TIDE' $7,800, HEPBURN 
$4,750, OMAHA'S ACES 



Omah , April 2. 

Easter week sees the quality of 
theatre fare materially improved, 
with emphasis on the films. ' Para- 
mount, and Brandeis. vie with each- 
other for . the lead with 'Riptide 1 
and 'Spitfire,' respectively. Because 
it is in the bigger house. Riptide' 
looks to do the £est with a probable 
$7,800} Hepburn, flicker can do con- 
siderably better! than half of that. 

Orpheum goes into the money 
With a stage unit. Though It car^ 
rles no names,- fact that it is -flesh 
will be enough to draw them in. 

Last week. Holy Week, proved a 
surprise to all houses, allowing 
nearly average business all along 
the row. Work on installing near-, 
ly a hundred hiore seats In the 
Brandeis was -carried on through, 
the week td be ready for 'Spitfire.' 

Estimates for This' Week 
Paramount (Blank) (2,765; 25-40) 

^^T^lPjti^C^iMS^w^J. ?^2d^. screen 
tare as house has" had' "In a^Ibrig" 
spell and will show it at the b.o. 
Dualled with 'Three On a Honey- 
moon* (Fox) and duo should finish 
near $7,800,. okay, with Shearer the 
whole drawing card. Last week 
'Dea'fh Takes a Holiday* (Par) and 
'Hold That Girl' (Fox) showed 
themselves a little surprise pack- 
age and came through a tough 
week with an average $6,100. 
..Brandeis (Singer) (1,200; 20-26- 
36)— 'Spitfire' (Radio)., Takes the 
trail alone from the usual program 
of duals, and will .show itself equal 



Clark & McCullough, Roxy, Stage Shows 
Help— 'Riptide,' 'Spitfire' Neck-and-Neck 



After Lenten doldrums, annual 
sweepstakes" for the public mazuma 
is off with a. rush, with more faves 

in the running than ever before In 
any one weekend.. 'Rothschild* 'Rip- 
tide* and ISpitfire' are competitively 
lined up. 

'Rothschild' premiered into Ma- 
jestic Saturday (31) with gala car 
pacity audience, all cash save less 
than tenth of crowd. Advance sale 
on roadshowing of this film Is very 
heavy. Norma Shearer picture 
busted local tradition about bad 
biz oh Good Friday. Had queues 
out early and may force holdover, 
despite fact this is most unusual at 
this spot. 

Estimates for This Week 
Majestic (Shubert) (1,690; $1.65 
top)— 'House of Rothschild' (20th 
Century). Comes In on high tide of 
interest. Expert ballyhoo by Al 
Selig. Premiere remarkable for 
erowd, in teeth of heavy rain. Au- 
dience _at__least_ nine- tenths Gen* 
^iIeT"Tw6~ shb ws^a ; dayrthree "each 
Saturday and Sunday. Bright for 
$18,500, which Is all the house can 
do on seating. 

Keith's (RKO) (4,000; 25-36-40) 
— 'Spitfire' (Radio).- Began nicely 
and buildlngrftne, and should smack. 
$14,500, corking. Last week 'This 
Man Is Mine' (Radio) n.s.h., but 
better than expected, at $10,000. 

Boston (RKO) (4,000; 26-60-66)— 
'I Like It That Way' (U) and 
•'Sweet and Low' unit on stage, with 
Clark and McCullough to draw. 
Biz snappy, and should draw out a 



nice. $22,000. Last week, 'Madame 
Spy' : (U) and negro show on stage, 
'Harlem On Parade,' around $16,- 
500. 

Orpheum (Loew) (3,000; 30-40 
50)--'Queen Christina' (MG) and 
vaude. Garbo hasn't done much in 
this one,, but stage' may. boost 
grosses for combined appeal to 
$14,500, very good* Last week, 
'Looking for Trouble' (UA) and 
vaude, quite hard hit, down to $12, 
000. 

•State (Loew) (3,000; 30-40-60) 
-^-'Riptide' (MG). Sizzle of femme 
talk. Looks push overish to $14, 
000, and may be held over, though 
'Catherine the Great' is announced 
for Friday. Last week, 'Christina* 
(MG) in second week, pulled a fair 
$8,500. 

Met (M&P) (4,330; 30-60-65)— 
'Melody in Spring* (Par) and Roxy 
show on stage. Latter' and Lanny 
Ross (in film) giving bill appeal to 
radio crowd. ■ Film pleasing, and 
Roxy troupe goes over; grosses 
building, and spot should nab $26, 
000, welcome after recent off weeks. 
Last wwk^'Jifflnijrthe Gent' (WB) 
and stage show, flunked to $19,60.0 

Paramount (1,800; 35-45,-55)— 
'Gambling Lady' (WB) and 'Come 
on Marines' (Par). Latter a dud, 
but Barbara Stanwyck, prov 
magnet as -she always is here. This 
lady still holds the in-person record 
along Washington street, and It 
looks as If her first good story from 
Warners- will, shape velvety $9,000 
for Paramount. Last week, 'Bed 
side' (WB) and 'Wharf . Angel* 
(Par) off at $7,000, though some 
profit therein. 





Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


CAPITOL 

(MOO; .35-75-85- 

1.10) 
nigni&iiu.fvu 
Low.. 16,000 


Mr. X 

$48,000 
(Stage Show) 
(tJiarK viaoie 
on stage) . 


Christina 

$33,000 


Christina 

$25,000 
(2d week) 


Showoff 

$55,000 
(Holtz-Du- 
ranterMoran 
on stage) . 


PAR- 
AMOUNT 

(S ti04' ' fi3-RG*7n- 
00) 

High, $95,000 
Low.. . 14,000 


Death Takes 

$42,000 
(oiage anow) 
(Phil Baker 
on stage) 


Death 

$34,000 
. (r^nn rsaKer 
on stage) 
(2d week) 


Six of Kind 

.$.48,000 


Good Dame. 

$30,000 


MUSIC 
HALL 

(5,046; 40-00-85- 
00-1.05) 

High, $118,000 
Low.. 44,000 


It Happened 

(ITE AAA 

(Stage Show) 


Harum 

t£K AAA* 


Spitfire 

C7ft AAA 


. Scandals 

$75,000. 


ROXY 

(0,200 ; 20-S5;0B- 
05) 

High. $173,600 
Low.. 7,000 


Hips, Hooray 

$22,400 
(Stage Show) 


9th Guest 

$20,500 


Midnight 

$16,500 


Coming Out 
$17,600 


RIALTO 

(2,000 ; 85-40-05) 

High. $72,000 
Low.. 6,200 


Hazard 

$16,000 


Hazard 

$9,000 
(2d week) 


More Women 

$11,000 


■ Women 

$5,300 
(2d week, 4 
days) 


STRAND 

(2.900; 35-55-75- 
85) ■•. 

High. $8*1,200 
Low.. 6.500 


- Mandalay 

$17,200 
(2d week). 


Wonder Bar 

$51,000 


Bar 

. $35,200 
(2d week) 


Bar 

$21,300 
(3d week) 


CHICAGO 




Mar; 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


CHICAGO 

(3,040; 85-55-65- 

75) ' 
High. $75,000 
Low,. 18,500 


Bolero 

$27,700 
(New Prices) 
(Stage Show) 


Fashions 

$31,800 
('Topsy and 
Eva' on stage) 


Cat and 
Fiddle 

$43,600 
(Ramon 
Novarro on . 
stage) 


It Happened 

$36,600 


PALACE 

(2.588; 40-00-83) 

High. $34,700 
Low.. 10.000 


Hips, Hooray 

$22,600 
(Vaude) 
(Morton 
Downey 
on stage) 


Spitfire 

$24,800 


Success Any 
Price 

$13,400 


Search for 
Beauty 

$14,500 


UNITED 
ARTISTS 

(1,700 ; 35-55-05) 

High. $43,500 
Low . . 3,300 


Moulin Rouge 

$19,100 
(New Prices) 


Moulin 

$9,800 
(2d week) 


Palooka 

$14,500 


Palooka 

$7,900 
(2d week) 


LOS ANGELES 




Mar, 8 


Mar. 15 | 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 f 


DOWN- 
TOWN 

(1,800; 25-35-40- 
55) 

High. $38,500 
Low. . 4,600 


Fashions 

$6,500 


Mandalay 

$6,400 


Hazard 

$6,200 


Wonder Bar. 

$15,900 


HOLLY- 
WOOD 

(2,760; 25-35-40- 
65) 

High. $37,800 
Low . . 3,100 


Fashions 

$7,600 


Mandalay 

$6,600 


Hazard 

$4,200 
(6 days) 


Wonder Bar 

$18,000 


PARA- 
MOUNT 

(3,505; 30-40-55) 

High. $57,800 
Low.. 5,600 


Bolero 

$19,000 
(New Prices) 
(Stage Show) 


More Women 

$15,900 
(Guy Lom- 
bardo on 
stage) 


Death Takes 

$12,400 


Come On 
Marines 

$17,600 
(Beri Bernie 
on stafte) _ 


STATE 

(2,024; 80-40-55) 

High. $48,000 
Low.. 5,000 


Harum 

$16,000 
(New Prices) 


Cat and 
Fiddle 

$10,000 

1_ 


Mr. X 

$6,600 
(6 days) 


Scandals 

$11,500 
(10 days) 


BROOKLYN 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 , Mar. 29 


FOX 

(4,000 ; 25-35-50) 

High, $48,600 
Low.. 8,900 


Devil Tiger 

$15,000. 
(Stage Show) 


Lost Father 

$12,300 


9th Guest 

$17,000 


Midnight 

$13,000 


ALBEE 

(3,500; 25-36-50) 

High. $45,000 
Low.. 9,000 


Carolina 

$20,000 
(Vaude) 


It Happened 

$18,000 


Hips, Hooray 

$16,000 


Spitfire 

$18,000 


STRAND 

(2,000; 25-35-50) 

High: $28,500 
Low.. 4,000 


Shakedown 

$6,000 
(New Prices) 


Mandalay 

$8,300 


Hazard 

$7,8.00, 


Bedside 

$6,200 


PARA- 
MOUNT 

(4,000; 25-85-50^ 

65)..' 
High. $57,800 
Low . . 5,600 


Death Takes 

$28,000 
(Stage Show) 


More Women 

$28,000 
(Sally Rand 
on stage) 


Six of Kind 

$27,000 


Good" Dame ' 

$28,000 


METRO- 
POLITAN 

(2,400; 25-35-50) 

High. $39,000 
Low.. 14.000 


Nana 

$18,000 
(Vaude) 


Christina 

$17,500 


Moulin Rouge 

$17,000 


Mr. X 

$17,000 


ST. LOUIS 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 . 


AMBAS- 
SADOR 

(3,000; 25-35-55) 

High. $48,800 
Low.. 13,000 




Mandalay 

$14,000 
(Stage Show) 


Six of Kind 

$19,000 


Good Dame 

$13,000 


FOX 

(0,000; 26-40-55) 




It Happened 

$16,000 
(9 days) 


Happened 

$14,000 
(2d week) 


Harum 
and 
Believed 
You 

$18,000 . 


STATE 

(8,000; 25-35-53) 

High. $31,500 
Low.. 10,000 




Mr. X 

$12,000 


Nana 

$13,000 


Looking for 
Trouble 

—$12,000. , ... 










MISSOURI 

(8,600;- 25-40) 

High. $29,500 
Low,. 6,000 




Beloved 

and 
Madame Spy 

$8,000 


More Women 
and 
Broken 
Dreams 

$8,000 


Poor Rich 
and 
Crosby Case 

$8,000 


ST. LOUIS 

(4,000; 25-85-65) 

- 




Devil Tiger 
$11,000 
(Stage Show) 


Success Any 
Price 
and 
Shriek in 
Night 
$12,000 


Notorious But 
Nice 
and 
Beggars in 
Ermine 
$14,000 



(Continued on page 22) 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



PICT 



E GROSSES 



VARIETY 



11 



Frisco Full of Dynamite; 'Scandals' 
226; 'Cargo $18,500; Cagney 




San. Francisco, April 2. 

Easter Week la solid dynamite, 
tovery theatre at bat with the 
strongest screen and stage stuff 
available. It looks like a cinch total 
of '$86,000 for the seven downtown 
first fun houses, and that is a heap 
o'dough, what with prices at their 
lowest iri years. 

Warfleld, Golden Gate and Fox 
are so strong that it's tough for the 
other ones who are putting up a 
hefty flght to get their dues. 

. Golden Gate opened Ash Wednes- 
day with Frank Buck's 'Wild Cargo' 
and did the' biggest opening day 
house has had in many a moon, 
topping 'Little Women' and all other 
hi? grossers. 

Warfleld is out after the gravy 
with a triple punch offering in Gene 
Austin, plus Evelyn 'Brent and 
Harry Fox on stage and Vallee- 
Faye-Durante in 'George White's 
Scandals' holding the silver sheet. 
That means the money. 

Fox has a big lineup also, with 
two of the best names that house 
has had in Its uphill flght. Colleen 
Moore and Lilyan Tashnian, . star- 
ring in the pair, of featured pictures. 
Also 10 acts of yaude and it's Joe. 
Leo's first anniversary as operator 
of the Fox for William Fox. . He 
has made an amazing battle past 
year, against almost overwhelming 
odds, especially lack of hefty picture 
product. 

" 'Nana' is pretty light weight for 
United Artists, with Anna Sten vir- 
tually unknown here and' competi- 
tion ps. tough as. it is. 

Estimates For This Week. 
Fox (Leo) (5,000: 25-35)— 'Social 
Register' .(Col) and 'Wine, Women 
and Song* (ChadwJck), spilt, with 
10 vaude . acts, plus anniversary 
week. Colleen Moore in the forme- 
arid Lilyan Tashman In latter, may 
mean morey to this low price/- 
house, and $12,000 is a terrific lot 
of business. Last week 'One Is 
Guiltv' (.Col)' and 'Voice in the 
Night' (Mai), split, and vaude, got 
fairish $9,C00. 

Golden Gate (RKO) (2.844; 25- 
'85-40)— 'Wild Cargo* (Radio) arid 
vaUde. Frank Buck -dcture a hefty 
clicker and $18,500 is exceptionally 
big. Swell lobby display helps to 
draw and matinees and nights 
equally good. 'Spitfire' (Radio) in 
its second stanza pulled okay $9,500. 

Orpheum (F & .M) (2,400; 26-35- 
65)^'Monte Cristo* (U) and Ted 
Lewis in. person. Film is weak, 
leaving ail draw to Lewis and take 
will be only $8,000, which means a 
lot of red ink, since Lewis' salary 
builds that nut up to big propor- 
tions. Last week 'Two Alone' 
(Radio) on. screen, with Mills 
Brothers staying on for second week 
was also on the wrong side of the 
ledger, with $6,500, and the brothers 
dra wing more than half of that. 

Paramount (FWC) (2,400; 25-35- 
40)— 'Jimmy Gent' (WB) and 'Lazy 
River* (MG), split. Cagney a puller, 
and $15,000 is very nice. Last 
week's 'Cat and Fiddle' (MG). and 
•Bedside* (WB). snlit, fair $10,000. 

St. Francis (FWC) (1,500; 25-40) 
fc-'Hold That GirT (Fox) arid 'Wharf 
Angel' (Par), split, $5,000. n.sig. 
Last week 'Come on Marines' (Par) 
"and 'Sleepers East' (Fox), split, 
pu^ert only S4.500. 

United Artists (1.400; 2K-35-40)— 
TNana' (UA). Anna Sten not 
known arid film drawing class trade 
but not much of it, at $6,500. Last 
wHt. second of Durante In 'Palooka' 
(T'A^-onVe nrood at $5,000. 

Warfiel (FWC) (2.700: 35-45-65) 
■~ iPcntidals' (Fox) and. stage show 
with Gene Austin. Evelyn Brent and 
Harrv Fox in person. Combo names 
In the pic. a help. anJ Austin and 
Brent are money- pullers, too. send-* 
lhg the Wnrf to sweTe<?ant $22,000. 
•Gambling Lady' (WB) not bad last 
Week at $16,000, all things, con- 
sidered. 



ment being, for 'The Song You Gave 
Me'. . " 

Estimates for Week 

Mainstreet (RKO) (3,200; 26-40) 
—'Spitfire' (RKO). - Opinion here 
is divided on Katheririe Hepburn, 
but management: gave her picture 
a fine lot of publicity, and was re- 
warded with a big opening, Is ex- 
pected to draw around. -$8,600.- Last 
week, "Massacre' (FN), with the 
Cotton Club revue as the stage 
attraction, got . $10,000. 

Midland (Loew) (4,000; 25)— 
'Riptide' (MG). From the long 
lines in front of the house Satur- 
day and Sunday, It looked like the 
picture was the one the customers 
had been waiting for, and they 
were going for . it strong.. Looks 
like close to $18,000. Last week, 
•Catherine* (UA) failed to show any 
strength and had to be satisfied 
with $6,500. 

Newman (Par) (1,800; 26)— Death 
Takes a Holiday* (Par) and 'Hold 
That Girl' (Fox). Double feature 
bills are getting some -extra cus- 
tomers in the house and the man- 
agement expects. -this one to return 
near $11^000. Last week! 'Beggars 
in Ermine' (Mono) and '9th Guest' 
dropped to $8,800. . 

Uptown (Fox) (2,040; 25-40)— 
'White's . Scandals', (Fox). Manage* 
ment got behind this one in a big 
way and Went right into the down- 
town district With its billing. 
Opened big and- looks like around 
$8;000. Last week, final and third 
for 'David Harum' (Fox), $5,000. 




Lft'S 
HEY-NONNY 



TUPTIDE' $18 000, 

'SPITFIRE' $8,500 



Kansas City, April 2. 

After struggling through Holy 
week, which is considered here One 
of the very worst in the year, arid 
Which this time held true to its 
reputation, the amusements have 
taken a fresh breath and are going 
Strong with a good list of pictures. 

Loew's Midland is back into its 
normal stride with 'Riptide' and is 
pet for a large gross. At the Main- 
-street^Spitfire'^is^the^picturer'but^ 
Hepburn is the draw especially for 
the wotnen; while the Fox Uptown 
is hitting on high with 'White's 
Scandals'. The Fox house has given 
this musical the works for pub- 
licity and going after the down-, 
town trade. 

Newman continues Its double bill 
policy and Is offering, 'Death Takes 
a Holiday' and 'Hold That Girl' for 
twenty-five cents any °>time. Later 
picture was set on the bill at the 
last minute; the original announce- 



•Detrolt, April -2. 
Easter dawns for this burg with 
a hey, npnny, nonny, for the first 
time in years with all houses doing 
uh-uh. Starting with the Holy Fri- 
day three-hour delay, opening 
business was like before depression. 
Also reaction from calling strike off 
helped. 

The .Michigan looks like the town 
leader with plenty, dollars with 
Mary Pickford In -person. This gal 
hasn't meant much in her last 
couple of pictures, . but she means 
plenty in person. Picture coupled 
with it Is 'Mystery of Mr. X.' 

Fox depending on. the. season for 
its business with- not much bally 
and a comparatively mild picture 
and stage show. On the screen is 
'This Man of Mine* and on the stage 
Fifl D'Orsay and Benny Rubin. 

The ' United Artists looks like at 
least two weeks with 'Riptide.' This 
is the. third consecutive picture to 
enjoy a multiple week's showing. 
Downtown is coasting with a second 
week of 'Scandals.' Fisher em- 
bellishing 'Search for Beauty* with 
a locally built radio show featuring 
all local station talent. The State 
double-billing again with 'Cross 
Country Cruise' and 'Poor Rich.' 

Last week, the Fox playing 'Scan- 
dals' did okay with a nice prosper- 
ous Holy Week at a beautiful $28,- 
000. And that despite a terrific 
snowstorm that had traffic tied up 
in a half-helsOn. The other houses 
felt the church blight, however; 
The Michigan with 'Dark Hazard' 
on screen and C -Ida Gray unit on 
st.ige was so-so for a mild $15,000. 
The United Ar.tists got a fair 
enough ,$8,000 for a second week of 
'Palooka,' while the Downtown with 
a second' week of 'Spitfire' was okay 
for a nice profit week of $7,000. The 
Fisher was mild with 'Journal Of a 
Crime' for around $4,000. The State 
also ran with 'Wine, Women and 
Song' and .'Countess of Monte 
Cristo' dualed for a poor $3,000. 
Estimates for This Week 
ichigan (Par) (4,046; 16-26-35- 
40-55), 'Mr. X' (MG) and Mary 
Pickford' in person. Doing six 
shows and big $35,000 in sight. Last 
week .'Dark Hazard' (FN) and stage 
show mild $15,000. 

Fox (Indie) (5,100; 15-25-35-40- 
55), 'Man of. Mine' (RKO) arid stage 
show. Looks to $25,000, okay. Last 
week 'Scandals' (Fox) and stage 
show good $28,000. 

United Artists (Par) (2,018: 15- 
25-35-40-), 'Riptide' (MG), On the 
ball for fine $18,000. Last week 
'Palooka' (UA) in second week mild 
$8,000. 

Downtown (RKO) (2,665; 15-25- 
-35-40),-='Seandals*-^Fox-)r--===AbOut= 
$7,000, okay;. Last week 'Spitfire' 
(RKO) in second, week, same. 

Fisher (Par) (2,7.50: 15-25-35-40), 
'Search for Beauty* (Par) and stage 
show. Doing all right, $11,000. Last 
week 'Journal oXiCrime' OVT5) mild.., 
$4,000. 

State (Par) (3.000; 15-25-35-40), 
'Cross Country Tour* (U) and 'Poor 
Rich' (MG). Duo points to only 
$3,000; Last week 'Wine, Women 
and Sorig*. (Synd) and '.Countess of 
Monte Cristo' (U), same. 



Providence Tepid; 
Cagney Neat $7,000, 

"Riptide' Oke 15G's 



Providence, AprlV 2. 
Tepid start, is not likely to give 
showmen here anything big. to talk 
about, but biz Is plenty improved 
compared with the last few stanzas. 
Every theatre opened on Good Frl^' 
day with one exception: Biz. spruced 
up a bit over the week-end but. not 
sufficiently to tag this week as a. 
record breaker; 

Attractions are oke, plenty of 
names,, and getting, fair ..reviews 
with one or two possible exceptions. 
Best bets in town are 'Spitfire' at 
the RKO Albee and •Riptide' at 
Loew's. Latter has the support of, 
a stage show, while 'Spitfire' is be- 
ing shown pri a twin-bill with 'Keep. 
Em Rolling' as the second picture. 

Goirig is oke at Albee, but nothing 
like "Little Women'. Fay'a has 
Sally O'Neill doing a personal and 
'Jimmy the Gent'. Bill is nice for 
this particular nouse. 'George 
White's Scandals' got off to a dis- 
advantage because of poor .notices 
and u nf a vorable publicity. ., 'Advice 
to the Lovelorn' at the Paramount 
is also suffering, because of pan- 
nings from the cricks.. 

Estimates for This Week' 
Fay'a (2*200: 15-25-40)— 'Jimmy 
the Gent' (WB) and vaude with 
Sally O'Neill. Bill is Just the type 
for., the patronage at this spot. Start 
was .slow but sufficient pick-up ex- 
pected to give, this spot at least 
$7,000. Last week 'Bombay Mail' 
(Fox) suffered along with the rest 
of them; poor at $4,300. 

Loew's State (3,200; 15-25-40)— 
'Riptide* (MG) and. vaude with . Ed- 
die Lamber. About the. best- Combo 
bill house has had in weeks; start 
just so-so, but pick-up over .the 
week-end to likely $15,000. Last 
week 'The Showoff' (MG) was off at 
$7,000. 

Majestic (Fay) (2,200; 16*26-40)-^ 
'George White's Scandals' (Fox) 
and 'Sons of the Desert' (MG). Un- 
less, there's a . sudden sprint, this 
one is riot likely to show any more, 
than ordinary biz despite .nice bally ; 
maybe $6,500. so-so. Last Week. T 
Believe In You* (Fox) and 'Wine. 
Women and Song' (Chad wick) bad 
at $3,200. 

Paramount.. (Indie) (2,200; 15-25- 
40)— 'Advice to Lovelorn' (UA) and 
'The Last Roundup' (Par). Not: get- 
ting the breaks; opening off because 
of Thursday start. Even with a 
pick-up, gross couldn't possibly 
reach more than $6,000; so-so. Last 
week 'No More Women' (Par) and 
'Beggars ip. Ermine' (Mono) off at, 
$4,500. 

RKO Ibee (2,600; 16-25-40) — 
♦Spitfire' (Radio) and 'Keep 'Em 
Rolling'- (Radio). Nice newspaper 
publicity breaks, even better than 
'Little Women,'- but going isn't good. 
However, gross of $8,500 means sec- 
ond best in town. Last week 'The 
Line-Up' (Col) and 'Crazy. Quilt -on 
stage got $8,100. 

RKO Victory (1,600; 10-15^26)— 
'It Happened One Night* (Col) arid 
.'Lost Patrol' (Radio). . Looks for 
$1,200 on spilt week.. Last week, 
'Jaws of Death' (Lesser) arid 'Horse 
plav' (U), tepid at $850 on split 
week. 



Zero Weather, CWA Employment End, 
Retards Minneapolis' Easter Week 



'Wonder Bar/ Day-Date, 
$9,000-54000, Denven 
%'F&M Show, $11,000 



Last week ■.'Death Takes : a Holiday' 
(Par) arid 'Last Roundup* (Pari, 
split, went above ' average and 
closed with $6,000.. 'Death' was held 
over three days .after a -very good 
week at $8,000— the result of an ex- 
tensive arid productive exploitation 
campaign by Louis Hellborri, man- 
ager. 

Denver (Huffman) (2,500; 25-35- 
50)— 'Worider Bar' (FN), day and 
date with the Aladdin. Nice $9,000. 
Last week's *Dark Hazard' (FN) 
did about as expected, turning in 
an average week of $7,000. Only 
appeal of the film locally was the 
fact that Robinson was in the lead- 
ing role. He has a large following 
here. 

Orpheum (Huffman) (2,600; 25- 
35-50) — The Mystery of Mr. X' 
(MG). Fanchori & Marco stage 
show. Estimated around $11,000. 
Last week, 'I've Got Tour Number' 
(WB), with Blackstone on the stage, 
went 30 percent above normal and 
finished with a fine $13,000. Black- 
stone Was here about two years ago, 
and . interest was riot sO strong as 
then.. He had a new trick or two, 
but mostly it was the same show. , 
Paramount (Huffman) (2,000; 25- 
40)— 'Ever Since Eve* (Fox) and 
'Song of Kong' {RKO), split. Light 
at $1,500. Last week, . 'Madame Spy 
(tT) and "Meanest Gal . in Town* 
(RKO), took the house above nor- 
mal, even though every one here 
knows the weakest pictures are 
shown here. The 25-cent balcony 
Is popular at nights, that most al- 
ways being filled.- 




AMOS If 
$18,000, GOOD 



Denver, April 2. 
•Wonder Bar,' running day and 
date at the Denver arid the Alladln, 
doing, as expected. Better- than 
average . both .places, but no hold- 
outs yet. Four thousand seats in 
Denver are a lot to trust to one film 
to fill, but picture Is doing a good 
job. ; 

'Mystery* pulling thriller fans Into 
the Orpheum arid El Brendel. in 
person pulling others, so holdouts 
Friday and. Saturday nltes and 
every show Sunday. Paramount at 
low with .'Ever Since Eve/ but 
snapping back Up .with 'Son of 
Kong* starting Sunday. Film will 
probably get four days; 

Denham, with 'She Made Her 
Bed,' three days, and 'Eight Girls 
in a Boat,' two days, had the poor- 
est five days in months, but com- 
ing out with the best Sunday in 
weeks with 'Melody in Spring,' 
which will probably stay nine days. 
Tabor, with 'Flying. Down, to Rio,' 
second run, and stage-show con- 
siderably above average $4,000; 
Estimates for This Week 
Aladdin (Huffman) (1,600; 25-40) 
— Wonder Bar' (FN), day and date 
with the Denver. Around $4,000. 
-Last- week-^-he - Gou n toss ^ o f > Mon te~ 
Carlo' (U) maintained the house's 
average and finished with close to 
$3,000. 'Title was* just right to catch 
the fancy of the clientele of this 
class theatre, located in a. residen- 
^Emd.^enaLTbusiness_.d.istrIct two 
miles from downtown. 

Deriham'(Hellborn) (1,500; 25-30- 
40)— 'She. Made Her Bed' (Par) and 
'Eight Girls in a Boat' (Par), split. 
This house is on a split basis for a 
week or two runnng some films not 
worth seven days. Figure $3,500. 



St. Louis; April 2. 
Including a Yiddish film and war 
pictures at two former legit houses' 
the cinema offering* figure up to the 
astounding total of eleven. With 
the launching of the Shubert on a 
movie career by Warners there are 
now six first run houses' presenting 
nine pictures, three with double bills 
and three with single. So the 
chances : seem to be excellent for 
some of the box offices, arid may be 
several of them, to. take It on the 
chin. 

One thing is certain, they won't, 
all show profits at the end of the 
week, but which will and which 
won't is rather hard to predict iri 
view of the unusual set up: How- 
ever, it looks like one of the bid 
regulars, Loew's State* will set the 
pace, if not in total receipts then in 
net profits. 

Estimates for This Week 

Ambassador (SKouras) (3,000; 25- 
35-55)— 'Women in His Life' (MG) 
and Amos 'n' Andy on stage; $18.- 
000, good. Last week 'She Made Her 
Bed' (Par) arid Tn the Money* 
(Monogram) got $13,000. , 

Fox (F & M) (5,000; 25-35-56)— 
'Scandals' (Fox) and 'Coming Out 
Party* (RKO), $16,000. Last week 
(second 'David Harum' (Fox) and 
'I Believed in You* (RKO) around 
$11,000. 

State (Loew's) (3,000; 25-35-55)— 
'Riptide' (MG). Big $17,000. Last 
week 'Lazy River* (MG) and (Sons 
of Desert' (MG) down to $8,000. 

Missouri (Skouras) (3,500; 25-40) 
—'palooka' (UA) and 'Rainbow Over 
Broadway* Chesterfield), $6,000. 
poor. Last week 'Wharf Angel* 
(Par) and 'Love Birds' (U). About 
$7,000. 

St. Louis (F & M) (4.000; 25-35- 
55)—' This Man Is Mine' (RKO) and 
'Orient Express' (Fox) $8,000, not 
good. Last week 'Sing and Like 
It* and 'Wine, Women and Song* 
(Chadwlck), about the same. 

Shubert (Warners) (2,000; 25-40) 
-^'Wonder Bar* (WB). Nice $11,- 
000. New addition to list. 



Minenapblis, April 2. 
While, that bane of entertainment 
purveyors, Holy Week, is out of the 
way, nevertheless the going- for 
local showbouses still lacks smooth- 
ness. A combination of adverse 
circumstances impedes velocity of 
box-office progress. In . the first., 
place, the. attractions, as a whole, 

are by no mearia the cream in 
managerial coffee. . Unseasonably 
cold and snowy weather requiring: 
further and unanticipated fuel ex- 
penditures, fears of a crop failure 
due to moisture deficiency and a 
turn , for the worse in the employ- 
ment situation, due to CWA curtail- 
ment, also stack up to put a Wet; 
blanket, on the show biz. 

Near zero temperatures and a 
snow storm ushered in spring and 
Easter and gave the local folks a 
nasty taste iri the mouth. Despite 
the generally adverse' conditions, 
the local populace during the past 
10 days have expended; a consider- 
able sum on 'Easter toggery and wet 
gobds, thus diverting much money 
from entertainment channels, 
/Estimates For This Week 
innesota (Publix) (4,200; 25-35- 
40)— 'Melody In Spring* (Par). Big 
exploitation campaign by Manager 
Harold Kaplan,. Lanny Ross' .radio 
prestige and first-rate entertain- 
ment qualities, but only $6,000, light, 
Last week, 'Bolero' (Par), $7,600. 
Much better than expected nd 
pretty good for Holy week. 

Orpheum (Publix) (2,890; 26-35:- 
55)— Meanest Gal in Town' (RKO) 
and 'New Workers' on stage. Only 
stage show in town, excepting stock 
burlesque at Gayety, but hardly a 
combination to set the box-office 
window afire. Customers like it and 
maybe it'll build to a good $16,000. 
Last week, 'This Man Is Mine' 
(RKO), $5,500. ' 

State (Publix) (2,200; 25-35-40)-^ 
■'George White's Scandals' (Fox). 
Advertised strongly, but film fans 
are not getting excited over, this one 
and it wil be lucky to exceed mild 
$3,000. , Last week, 'I've Got Your 
Number* (WB), $4,000, Fair. 

World (Steffes) (350; 25-36-50-75) 
—•Henry VIH* (UA). Right up the 
alley : and a ten-strike for this 
'class*, house. Critics and customers 
have been raving with 'a consequent 
heavy box-Offlce response. Will hit 
olose to $3,500, which is all the 
house can hold, and promises to re- 
main indefinitely. Last week, 
'Sweetheart of Sigma Chi' (Mono* 
gram), $940. 

Uptown (Publix) (1,200; 26-35)— 
'Six of a Kind' (Par) and 'Going 
Hollywood' (MG), spilt. Around 
$2,000 Indicated. Fair. Last week, 
'Carolina' (Fox), $2,600. Okeh. 

Lyric (Publix) (1.300; 20-25)— 
'Frontier Marshall' (Fox). Western!? 
Iri a come-back hereabouts. Maj 
hit close to $4,000; Big, Last week, 
'Four Frightened People' (Par), 
$3,000. Good. 

Grand (Publix (1,100; 16-25)— 
'Roman Scandals' (UA) and 'Sleep- 
ers East,! spilt, former second loop 
run and latter first-run. Aroiind 
$2,000 Indicated. Good. Last week 
'Convention City* (FN), seconc 
loop run, $1,800. Okeh. 

Astor (Publix) (900; 15-26)— 
'Last Roundup' (Par), 'Kennel Mur- 
der Case* (WB) and 'Orient Ex- 
press* (U), second loop runs an« 
split. Looks like, about $900. Fall 
Last week, 'Man's Castle' (Col) 
.'Miss_Fane'js Baby Is Stolen' (Par 
arid 'Blood Money' (Par), seconc 
run and split. $700. Light. 



'Murder' Sequel Set 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Tully Marshall is set In 'Mur- 
der on the Blackboard',. RKO's se- 
quel to 'Penguin Pool . Murder', 
Which Ge rge Archainbaud Will 
direct. 

Production set to start tomorrow 
(Tues.) with James Gleason and 
Edna May Oliver in the tops. 



-- FOR-'TREASURE ISMND L - * 

Hollywood, April 2. 
i is still signing a flock of 

players for spots in 'Treasure 
Island.' 

. Latest cr,dp. to draw .tickets for. 
the picture includes James Burke, 
Edward Pawley, Olin Howland, 
Richard Powell, Robert Anderson, 
Charles Erwin,. Tom Mahoney, 
Frank Dunn, Matt Oilman and John 
Anderson. 



Tower' Shush Fizzles 



Hollywood, 

Warners Intended mystery build- 
up for the killer character in; /Dark 
Tower,* featuring Edward G. Robin- 
son, fllvvered when it was discov- 
ered that the mysterious personage 
coming and going' from the set, In 
built-up red wig arid phiz-conceal- 
ing whiskers, was none other than 
Robinson himself. 

Actor plays a dual role in the 
chiller,' with Mary Astor and Rlcar- 
do Cortez opposite:. 



For 'Marie Gallante' 

~, . - 7 —^ ^JlbllyWoodr^APt-ll^-^ 

Jack Otte.rson, art'i director, 
a camera crew headt-d by 
Seitz,- leave here April .8 for Panama' 
for preliminary background scenes 

for . Fox's 'Marie Gallant e.' 

All of the exteriors will be taken 
in the Canal Zone. Spencer Tracy 
and Kettl Gillian, newly arrived 
French actress, will have the top 
spots in the picture. Henry King 
will direct 



12 



•VABIETI'S' XONDOK OCT1CB, . 
8 St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square 



FOREIGN FILM NEWS 



Cable 'Addreit; VARIETY, JLONDOMl 
Telephone Temple Bar 5041-5018} 



Anzac Film Probe Continues; 
W E. Refuses to Testify; Doyfe 
Tells of Ws fight willi 




By ERIC GO R RICK 

Sydney, March 3. 
After a short adjournment the 
film probe is again proceeding 
here, under the control of J'. W. 

Trade anticipated sensational ev- 
idence with the probe centered upon 
the activities of Wesjterrf Electric in 
relation to its trading methods with 
Australian exhlbs. Disappointment 
came quickly when only minor of- 
ficials of W. ,.- E. appeared before 
Marks and declined to disclose in 
public actual business affairs. W.E., 
however, offered: to provide Marks 
with all the desired information in 

camera. .■ ■, - 

Commissioner Marks, remarked 
that he was greatly surprised at the 
non-appearance before him of high 
W.E. officials for the purpose of 
cross-examination in respect to 
statements issued by exhlbs that the 
W.eV methods were deep> hurtful 
to Australian exhibitors in general. 
It had also been stated at. the in-, 
qulry that service charges by W.E. 
were far too high and that business 
relations had been strained time 
and again .because of the methods 
adopted by W.E. in relation to the 
_local exhibs, It was these charges 
that the Commissioner wanted ex r 
planatlons of. 

Western Electric, however, pre- 
fered to provide the Commissioner 
With all data in relation to the 
Australian situation for his private 
perusal only, and stuck to that view. 

Probe continued with further 
argument on behalf of an Australian 
quota and an open market. 

Quota Argument 
Pat Hanna, director of Pat Hanna 
Film Productions, Ltd., stated that 
he had been forced to accept terms 
which, if allowed to continue, would 
ruin the local industry. Hanna told 
how "Diggers in Blighty" and "Har- 
mony Row" returned to Efftee and 
his company the sum of £313 after 
grossing £3,000 on a two weeks* 
season in Sydney. 

Hanna felt that the only way to 
safeguard the Australian industry 
would be the introduction of a 
quota, a fair percentage on actual 
earnings, a rigid quality test, and 
a release guarantee.. 

It had been mentioned before, the 
probe that the American distrlbs 
operating in Australia combined to 
control film prices to exhibs. That 
such a combine exists here has now 
been denied. It was stated that in- 
stead, each foreign distrib fixes his 
own price and selling policy. 

United Artists told the Commis^ 
sioner that the intervention of the 
New South Wales government in 
the film Industry is undesirable. 
U.A. believes that the only element 
that, has interfered with the smooth 
working of the industry has been 
the effort of G.T. and associates to 
secure a monopoly of the ace houses 
in all capital cities and riabes and 
considers that it can overcome all 
difficulties with G.T., without any 
government assistance. 

No RKO Tieups 
Ralph Doyle of RKO stated that 
he wished to deny, the suggestion 
that his company was controlled by 
G.T. 

James Sixsmith of . Paramount 
denied statements made during the 
inquiry that there are enough the- 
atres, to handle fully the whole out-, 
put of the distribs. Par, after sup- 
plying the Prince Edward, Sydney, 
can offer G.T. 40 pictures .'for ex- 
clusive release in the various city 
houses, he said, 

Sixsmith further stated that John 
W. Hicks had cabled him denying, 
statements made by Stuart F. Doyle 
that pressure had been brought to 
bear by American's induci the 
then Union Theatre, - Ltd., to raise 
added capital to buid theatres for 
the . screening of American films. 
Hicks was for many years in con- 
trol of Par in Australia. He is now 
the Par ^foreign department head; 

On the other hand, Stuart F. 
^^Doyle^ te~ sTifie^tmitr 



FOX PARIS SHOWCASE 
SPLITS AWAY ON OWN 



Paris, March 
Split between local Fox organiza- 
tion and Edouard VH Theatre, its 
local showcase, presaged several 
weeks ago, is now final. Edouard VH 
is sending out notices pointing out 
that it never . belonged to Fox, as 
some used to think, but was merely 
under a contract which now has 
expired. House hereafter will pick 
its films wherever it can find them. 

Current week's choice is the 
Keaton-Durahte 'What, No Beer?' 
(MS), while Fox is putting out 'I 
Am Suzanne', Lilian Harvey opus, 
at the imperial Pathe on the boule- 
vards. Last Fox pic in the house 
on the old deal was 'Paddy'. 



TOBIS CONTROL GOING 
TO GERMANS?-HAGl 



TANGO TEAM FDLMERS 
NIX 6 MO. METRO DEAL 



Barcelona, - March 24, 
Irusta, Fugazot- and DeMarre, 
tango trio that just made a hit in 
'Bollche', which they produced on 
their own, have refused an offer by 
Metro. 

Offer was for six months at $650 
per week, but the boys prefer inde- 
pendent producing. 

They are filming 'Aves in 
Rumbo' now. South American 
rights for the picture f Boliche» were 
sold last week for 30,000 duros 
($20,000). 



FULLERS C L O S 
FOR H-G PIX 
IN SYDNEY 



The Hague, April 2. 
In the exchange of Kuchenmelster 
International Acoustics Ltd. into 
TobiSi $2,200,000 of shares have been 
switched over. Kuchenmelsters had 
a capital, originally of $7,800,000 at 
par and shareholders got options to 
exchange their shares in the com- 
pany into bonus certificates of Tobis 
at the rate of five for one. 

RUmors in Berlin are to the effect 
that the majority of Tobis shares 
have' gone from Dutch to German 
hands. This is not believed, here, 
to be accurate although negotia- 
tions are on for a transfer of 70% 
of the capital of Tobis Tonbild Ltd., 
German subsid of Tobis Interna- 
tional which, in turn. Is a subsid of 
kuchenmelsters. 

With deal, going through, if it 
does, there will still be no German 
control for Tobis International, 
Tobis Tonbild only .going that way 
and Kuchenmelsters still retaining 
its, independence. 



'In 1927 and 1928 pressure was 
brought to bear upon, the organiza- 
tion of Union Theatres, Ltd.,. for the 
purpose of inducing it to raise ex- 
tra- capital and build theatres for 
the presentation of the pictures be- 
longing to various American film 
producers. This pressure was 
brought to bear by American film 
distributors, who were then doing 
business with Union Theatres, the 
principal of which was Famous 



Lasky Film Service Limited, the 
proprietors of Paramount Pictures. 
This company, which at the time 
probably was the leading Film Dis- 
tributors in Australia, insisted that 
the State Theatre, Sydney, and 
State Theatre, Melbourne, .should be 
built, or they themselves would 
build theatres of equal importance 
for the purpose of placing Para- 
mount Pictures therein. 

Under this pressure brought to 
bear by Mr. John. W. Hicks, Union 
Theatres limited promoted a com- 
pany known as Union Theatres In-, 
vestment, Limited, and invested 
therein £500;000 in cash; besides 
promoting the sale of £350,000 in 
Preference Shares. Union Theatres, 
Limited, also promoted a company 
known as Union Theatres (Vic- 
toria), Limited, for the building of 
the' State Theatre, Melbourne.' 

At about this tithe, at the request 
of various distributors,, he contin- 
ued, the Capitol Theatre, was con 
structed in Sydney, and operated 
with Paramount,. Metro arid, other 
U.S. pictures, successfully for some 
years, Principal .construction ac- 
tivities of Union Theatres, Ltd., 
were,, therefore, created at the re- 
quest, and virtually under threats 
from American film distributors for 
the purpose of finding an outlet for 
their pictures, he charged. 

Building 

As a result of this alleged pres ? 
sure, Doyle told the court, Union 
Theatres raised £2,611,198 for the 
atre construction. 

This money was not exclusively 
used for building of theatres, he ad 
mitted, but most of it was devoted 
to this purpose and a most modern 
theatre circuit was created through- 
out Australia, This circuit was suc- 
--cessfullyTOperated= i for^8om^--yeare r 
fully absorbing, together with its 
opposition, Hoyts Theatres, Ltd., 
practically the whole of the Amer 
lean film supply. 

It_ was these conditions, he 
charged, plus the depression," the 
continual demand by American film 
distribs for film prices higher than 
the circuit felt it could p"ay and the 
cost of sound equipment, which 
Ultimately forced U.T. into receiver- 
ship end liquidation. 



Sydney, March 7* 
Fullers have closed with Metro, 
for the balance of product to the 
end of this year, Contract to this 
effect comes ' into being immedi- 
ately. 

Fullers will play the fllnis in St. 
James, Sydney, fairly nigh 

percentage, basis. 

Fullers dickered with several 
other distribs for pictures before 
finally deciding on M-G as best 
suited for its ace house. Buy is 
mainly for Sydney, because M-G 
will Operate its own theatre in Mel- 
bourne; in a few weeks. 

Should the government of New 
South Wales finally decide against 
allowing foreign interests to build 
theatres locally, Fullers will con- 
tinue along with M-G, but if the 
decision is a favorable one -M-G 
will build a theatre in Sydney at 
once, with the Fuller deal crum 
bling. 

G. T. officials, know that Ful- 
lers Will remain indie and Is not 
banking on G. T. support to any 
great extent. So far, Fullers has 
been the only big exhib to remain 
entirely away from the current film 
probe arid has not. given evidence 
for or against. This is a good 
criterion that it does not desire to 
get mixed up in any battles. 

Sir Ben Fuller has been in Mel- 
bourne for some time in connection 
with the new theatre to be erected 
there for his organization. 

It will be impossible for the 
Fullers to break from the agreement 
with G. T. until the date of expiry. 
Fullers is desirous of making a 
breakaway altogether from G. T. 
but hasn't been able to manage it 



b Indies Form Own Trade 
Chamber; Aim to Clean Up Biz 



Pathe Statement Shows 
Profit Increase in '33 



Paris, March 24. 

Pathe-Clhema balance sheet for 
1933 shows $1,232,054 profit, against 
$1,105,481 in previous year. 

Real estate figures in the assets 
for $249,790, after $555,896 of amor- 
tization. Equipment counts for 
$674,378. Stocks are $906,758, a 
drop of $296,162. Accounts payable 
and floating debt are carried at 
$3,363,965, against $2^938,408 in the 
previous year. Advances on current 
contracts amount to $1,517,991, up 
$681>,437. Contingent fund is 
$600,335. 

irm figures as biggest French 
producer,, with- the statement con- 
sidered a pleasant one under cur- 
rent conditions. 



F0X-GA0M0NT-H0YT 
TALKING FIVE-YR. DEAL 



Sydney, March 3; 

Deal is ori for a five-year tie-up 
between Hoyts and Fox-Gaumont. 
If it goes through will mean plenty 
of film fare for the circuit and Will 
probably include General Theatres 
as well. r 

With the buy coming into opera- 
tion, the output of the English 
studios will find a large and ready 
market in Australia. 



Story of 1 a Feud 

Back of the announcement that 
"Hoyts has bought ail RKO . product 
for its circuit, lies the story of a 
feud that happened some years. ago 
when W. Scott was in charge of. the' 
Australian RKO office. 

At the end of 1929 and early iri 
1930, RKO could not complete terms 
with the then UniOn Theatres and 
went over to Fullers, which convert- 
ed its vaude houses .into picture 
theatres. Because of this RKO- 
Fuller tie-up* U. T; boycotted RKO 
for about 12 ihonths, Hoyts .fol- 
lowed suit and refused to hire any 
of the pictures, despite the fact that 
U. T. and Hoyts were in keen com 
petition at the time. 
Thats all over now. 



RIP'S AMBITIOUS 

PLANS FOR 2 PICS 



London, March 24. 
British International Is taking a 
little breather, but action is con- 
templated soon. 

' \y&_ Me [_tiJ^ne'_tfonipn^}2PP. 

drome musical, has been purchased 
from George' Black and Jack Taylor 
Set for the cast are the Three Dia- 
monds, Clifford Mollison, Wendy 
Barrle, Zelma O'Neal and .Jimmy 
Goden. 

Film on the life of Schubert, 
which Paul Stein is to direct, star - 
ririg Richard Tauber, originally 
titled,. 'Spring Time in Vienna,' is 
to be called 'Blossom Time/ Valerie 
Hobson, a newcomer, is' being tested 
-for the important role of Schubert's 
daughter. Elizabeth Allan Was. orig- 
inally thought of to play star femme 
role, but she is due to return to 
Hollywood in four weeks. 



racie Plays Self 

Grade Fields gives another ex 
cellent imitation of Gracie Fields 
in a film titled "Love, Life and 
Laughter,' directed by Maurice El- 
vey, tradeshown March 9. It is one 
of those manufactured .- articles, 
wherein it is decided to insert in 
the script every sure-fire situation 
within memory. 

Picture will get a bit of a play iri 
the provincial cities of England. 

Hunter Directing 

T. Hayes Hunter is directing 
•Warn England/ British Lion pro 
duction, being made at the Beacons 
field studios. It is. a crime thriller, 
with Scotland Yard as background. 



Electric's Judgment 
Important judgment to local ex 
hibs holding sound equipment under 
lease was handed down this week 
by Judge in Equity. Case in ques- 
tion is' between Western Electric 
and Hornsby Theatres, Ltd. 
Question involved is whether 
Hornsby Theatres, (nabe operators) 
being, lessee of sound' equipment 
from W. E., is entitled, in accord- 
ance with terms of agreement after 
two years from its commencemenjt. 
to determine the agreement and»re 
turn the equipment upon payment 
of rent payable under the lease, 
as charged by the Motion Picture 
Sound Equipment Lease Act. 

For the operators it was contend 
ed that all the lessees had to dp was 
pay Under the act, and if payments 
were kept up in accordance with 
act they were not in default and 
could determine the agreement ac- 
cordingly. 

W. E. contended that the' lessee 
had to pay the rental under the 
lease before he could exercise the 
right of determination. 

Judge held that the W. con- 
tention was correct. 
. An appeal to the High Court, will 
be lodged at once. 



Nice lineup of b.o. attractions, iri 
this week, including 'My Weakness' 
(Fox), 'As Husbands Go' (Fox), 
•Sleepers East/ 'The World Changes* 
(WB), 'Thark/ 'Design for Living* 
(Par), *Viennese Nights/ 'Tillle and 
Gus* and 'Cinderella's Fella' ('Going 
Hollywood') (MG). 

In Melbourne current attractions 
include, 'The Masquerader" (UA), 
'The Invisible Man' (U), 'Jennie 
Gerhafdt' (PaT)y 'This" vWeelr Of 
Grace/ 'Temple Drake' (Par), 'I 
Was a Spy' (GB), 'After the Ball/ 
•A Southern Maid/ and 'Wedding 
Rehearsal/ 



, March 24. 
• Move to clean up . the Frencit film 
trade Is seeri in' the organization. 
Under the leadership of Henri Clerc, 
author and deputy, of two new 
trade, associations: Syndicate of 
independent Producers of French 
Films arid Syndicate of Independent. 
Distributors of French Films. 
. This is interpreted as a slap at 
Charles Delac's Chambre Syndlcale 
de la Cinematographic Fraricaise, 
until now the' only ' big film Cham- 
ber of Commerce. Delac is in Rus- 
sia on an inspection tour. 

American reps here are watching 1 
the hew organization with intense 
Interest, and consider the move of 
great importance for the. market. 
Attitude ..so far, however, is re- 
served, and will remain so until 
a definite statement of the new or- 
ganizations' officers . arid ' official 
aims is published oh April 10. Three 
of the big American concerns now 
belong to Delac's Chambre Syndl- 
cale, arid the rest remain, inde- 
pendent, David Souhami, former 
Paramount head, was yicfer resident 
of the Chambre,' 
irteen. 

Thirteen members are already 
claimed by the new outfits, includ- 
ing the biggest independents. Clerc, 
who started the move, says he will 
accept no job in either group, and 
will- continue his work for the in^ 
dustry in the Chamber of Deputies. 
He also insists that he is not start- 
ing an_ opposition to: the Chambre 
Syndlcale, but the trade considers 
that he has launched a real cleanup 
move which may help striii liten^ 
out the industry, with luck. 

One of the big aims of the new 
group is the establishment of the 
much discussed film bank, but Clerc 
has abandoned the idea, pushed by 
Delac and apparently much favored 
by him, also, of collecting rentals 
direct from exhibitors by repre-, 
sentatives of the bank. This' is the 
bank feature which the Americans 
here most feared. 

After a meeting, of the organiz- 
ers the following unofficial list of 
aims of the new organization Was 
put out: 

Aims 

Establishment of co-operative 
purchasing agencies. In the case of 
the producers this would amount 
chiefly to getting together for the 
buying of raw film. 

2. Establishment 
sional labor exchange. 

3. Organization of a bureau to 
defend the industry's, interests 
against the public authorities; in 
other words,. a lobby for the Parlia- 
ment and propagandists to work on 
functionaries who supervise the 
business for the Government. 

. 4. Establishment of organiza- 
tions for the distribution of French 
films abroad. 

6. Establishment of a film bank 
to improve the financial situation 
Of independent film companies, 
With the ald of a system of financial 
checkups on the concerns. Just 
how this would be worked out. re- 
mains to be seen. 

Federation Idea „ 

Two riew organizations intend to 
try to unite themselves with other- 
French trade groups in a Federa- 
tion of Syndicates. 

"The creation of a national fed- 
eration of independent syndicates of 
the cinema industry/ says a semi- 
official, statement of the organizers, 1 
'Is the answer to a wish unani- 
mously ' expressed by those who are 
determined to submit- no longer to 
the; methods now in use in the 
French cinema, 'under .the influence 
Of elements which, are too often 
Toreign and too often of doubtful 
morality.' 

Reference to foreigners in this 
strong statement is not. directed 
against Americans', against 
other aliens here. 

A feeling that the French produc- 
tion Is unnecessarily insignificant, 
compared with that of the United 
States and even England, is given 
as. the motives , of the movement, 
whose organizers feel that a reor- 
ganization of the trade Will help it 
to get on its feet and compete. 



Metro's Anzac Pic 

Metro has bought 'Squatter's 
Daughter/ Australian-made film, 
for distribution in England. Capt. 
Harold Auten agented. 



'ATLANTTDE' FOR tf.-Sv~ 
George Quigley, Jr.. has bought 

American distribution right* of 

'Atlantide/ European made film 

directed by G. W. Pabst. 
Film is in English and will 

recut for general distribution. 



•VARIETY'S LONDON OFFICE. 
• St. Martin's Me.ee, Trafalgar Square 



FOREIGN FILM NEWS 



Cable AddreMt TABIKTY, LONDON. 
Telephone Temple Bar 15041-5018 



13 



II. S. Producers May Urge Hays 
Office to Force an Official 
Nazi Ruling on American Kx 



With Germany continuing jto ban 
pictures- arbitrarily for 'moral.' 'non- 
Aryan' : and other reasons, American 
picture companies are seriously 
considering taking a firm stand and 
asking for a definite statement of 
policy. Hays office is trying to soft- 
pedal the Aimers for political, and 
diplomatic reasons; but several 
companies feel that something tan- 
gible should be attempted. 

Newest banning in Germany was ' 
Trlzeflghter and the Lady' (M-G); 
supposedly because Max Baer is a 
Jew. Front Metro's standpoint, nib 
is that the film had been passed by 
the censors, Metro. , then going to 
the expense of dubbing it Into Ger- 
man. After that the picture was 
banned by the propaganda office,: 
dubbing process thereby being prac- 
tically a complete loss for the film 
company. 

Question has now come up 
Is over United Artists' Eddie Cantor 
picture, 'Roman Scandals'.'. U.A., 
after being out of Germany for sev- 
eral years, has Just completed a re- 
cent deal and. has sold 'Scandals' 
with several other pictures to 
Bayerlsche Films there for dubbing 
into German and general; distribu- 
tion. Company's 'Catherine the 
Great' was thumbed because Elisa- 
beth Bergner is a Jewess. Question 
is whether Cantor, will be treated 
likewise- On the other hand, UvA. 
'is not releasing the Cantor picture 
on its own, but has sold it outright 
to a German concern, that possibly 
making a ' difference. 

Par Hurt Plenty 

Paramount is. one of the more 
seriously annoyed companies. With 
'Song of Songs' banned because of 
Marlene t>ietrlch, company also had 
'Design for Living* turned down. 
Official dictum on that states that 
'the film is not acceptable for .new 
Germany because of the irony With 
which the establishment of marriage 
Is treated. The fact that the story 
haB been handled with humor and 
satire cannot conceal the fact that 
a laxity is Created in the morals of 
the. audience and, that ' the . human 
contacts and laws are played with 
in a frivolous manner which do not 
permit of conformity to the efforts 
towards protection of " marriage 
yows and family life.' 

Attitude of Paramount,' Metro and 
several other "U.S. companies is that 
they have complied with race re- 
quirements of Nazi Germany inso- 
far as their business staffs and 
offices In Germany are concerned 
and that they ought to be given a 
break on the films concerned. Get 
ting almost Impossible to tell What 
the Germans will accept and what 
they will turn down. Companies 
think < there ought to ' be a direct, 
no-hedge decision promulgated, by 
Germany for the U.S. companies to 
guide themselves by. 



Tutoring Tito Coral 



Hollywood,. 
Pox is teaching English to its 
Venezuelan; actor, Vito Coral, and 
will use him later in domestic fea- 
tures. 

Next pic for Coral, brought, here 
for Spanish versions, ' will be 'Don 
Cossack.' 

Coral . a broadcasting recruit 
from New 



Korda-Toeplitz Split 



London, April 2. 
Alexander Korda has broken with 
LiUdovico Toeplitz, his- partner in 
London Films. Toeplitz was with 
Korda for the past year. Under- 
stood his shares in the company 
are being bought by Joe Sohenck 
and Douglas Fairbanks. 

Toeplitz will start, a company on 
his own, according report, 
possibly locating on the Continent. 




or 

Native Talkers, 



MARTIN'S AUSTRALIAN 
HOUSE; U BACK OF IT? 



Sydney, March 7. 
Dave Martin, former sales man 
ager of Universal, is back of a com- 
pany formed to open a new theatre 
on the site recently occupied by 
Hoyt's Bialto. Theatre, to be known 
as Liberty, will open Easter week, 
and the first picture to hit the Screen 
Will be Universal' s "Only Tester 
day." 

Martin states that U is not inter 
ested in the venture in any shape 
or form. Trade is wondering how 
ever, especially with a U feature 
chosen to open. 

J. M. Browne,, an investor, is the 
owner of the theatre site and he has 
given, quite an amount of evidence 
before " the- present film probe 
Browne, in a statement, safd that 
he decided to erect a better theatre 
on his site and placed a. proposal 
before . G, T. which answered that 
It is not prepared to take a lease 
of the contemplated theatre, but 
would take a further lease on the 
old Rialto upon Its being renovated. 
Browne says he then got in touch 
with Martin and an agreement was 
algned. 

Said that the new company will be 
entirely Australian, with Martin in 
charge of operation. 





Argentina and other South Amer- 
ican countries are hungry for films, 
in their own language and only 
Americans can give them such films!. 
That \ie the opinion of Arturo Mom, 
motion picture editor of Critica, 
Buenos Aires dally, who returned to 
his own country Saturday (31) after 
a six weeks' visit in New York and 
Hollywood. 

The Spanish speakihg population 
of the world is one. of the biggest, 
close to that of the English speaking 
countries,. Mom points out, yet they 
get very few films In their own 
tongue. This is due, Mom feels, to 
several unfortunate factors, most 
important of which is the failure of 
Spanish language films produced in, 
Hollywood in the early talker era to 
get anywhere at the b.o. 

There was another basic fault, 
Mom says, in that the Spanish lan- 
guage used in the films— and still 
being used in Spanish pics manu- 
factured on this side— is a mixture 
of Spanish-' dialects. Argentinians 
have no objection to hearing Cas- 
tllian Spanish or -Mexican Spanish 
Or even the Spanish of the gallego, 
but they don't want all the patois 
mixed up in one film.' 

Give them a Mexican picture 
with and by Mexicans and they will 
enjoy it. Or an Argentinian pic- 
ture completely in the' Argentine 
manner and dialect. But mixing the 
two makes them resent both. 



H. D'ARRAST COMPLETES 
TRI LINGUAL IN SPAIN 



Madrid, March 24. 

Shooting finished on his Spanish 
flicker, Harry D'Abbadle IVArrast 
has left for Paris where the pic 
will receive its musical synchroniza- 
tion. Originally titled 'An Old 
Spanish Custom,' D'Arrast? is now 
debating between 'A Fairy Tale' 
and 'Once Upon a Time.' 

French version of the film, based 
oh a seventeenth century poem, will 
be called *Le Trlcone' and: Spanish 
version, 'La. Traviesa Molinera/ 

English language edition; featur- 
ing Hilda Moreno, Victor Varconi, 
Eleanor Boardman, and Allen 
Jeayes, will be shown in New York 
and London, late In April or early 
In May, while the French and Span 
ish versions will make their appear 
ance in October to take advantage 
of the season. 

"Will probably be D'Arrast's first 
and last pic made in Spain because 
he figures it's too tough an assign 
ment trying to buck the Spanish 
temperament and the lack of labbra 
tory equipment. But he approves 
of Spain as a spot for exteriors, 



Ci^lf jFilm Rule 

Prague, March 24. 

An important decision has been 
made by the Czechoslovak govern 
ment on the import of foreign films. 

In the future not merely the 
ministry of commerce, but also the 
ministries of foreign affairs and ed- 
ucation will have a say on the pre- 
sentation of both domestic and 
foreign films. 



Parisian Distrust of Germans 
Keeps Friedland From Starting 
Universal $ French Production 





PRICES 




March 16., 
'Several factors are combining to 
boost takings .of foreign picture ex-' 
changes here. First a greater 
number of would-be rst-ruh. 
houses. Second is strength of Nip- 
pon Gekljo draw, with the A. B. 
Marcu$ Revue. .; Theatres are bi - 
ding for b.o. films, and exchanges 
are, plenty, happy.. Average pictures 
are getting double what they did 
this time last year* 

Hibija Gekljo, pop price first run 
house in the heart of the . city, . has 
been running into hard luck over 
product, ever since opening at -New 
Year. Principally playing German, 
Italian arid British stuff that no-, 
body else would have. Now looks 
to be' better set, since Paramount 
has sold it a dozen pix, despite its 
Shochiku contract. Shochiku 
thought it had all Par's product 
tied up with a. block booking agree- 
ment for 40 odd films, but Par de- 
cided t6 import a dozen or so extra 
to ease the strain without lowering 
the price.. 

Universal reports that 'Invisible 
Man', having its premier in Doto- 
moborl Shochikuza, Osaka, seems 
likely to smash house record of 
47,000 yen for current Week. First 
day's business in third week of 
annual spring revue (which lost 
ground in second week) was better 
than 7,000 yen. 



Feyder's British Pic 

With Eihil Jannings 

Paris, March 24. 
Jacques Feyder, French director, 
has signed with British & Contin- 
ental Film to make a pic in Lon- 
don. 

Emil Jannings will, star in English: 
version and a Frenchman, not yet 
picked, will do a French version. 
Story by . Yves Mirahde. 



French Showcase 
Proposed in N. Y*; 
For Radio 




Theatres 
Passes Dividend; 
GB Interim 



Divvy 



London, March 24. 
For the- first time since its incep- 
tion Gaumont- ritish Picture Cor- 
poration is paying an Interim divi- 
dend to the ordinary 'shareholders. 

Interim dividend is 3%, with ex- 
pectation of a full 8% when the 
year ends. 

General Theatres (G-B) has noti- 
fied stockholders that the directors 
have examined estimated results of 
the current year, ending -March 31, 
and found that preference dividends 
are unearned. 

Half year's dividend on the seven 
and a half percent cumulative pref- 
erence shares, due April 1, were not 
paid on that date. 



Paris, March 
: Local press is all pepped up over 
the French Lines' stunt of carrying 
French films to New York arid giving 
trade shows of them * on liners at 
the piers, thus avoiding customs 
and showing the pictures in a real 
French atmosphere. They figure 
this is going to ope.i up the. Ameri- 
can market to them in a big way. 

What they want is to profit by 
the 1 drop in German distribution. 
It's pointed out that in 1932 the 
U. S. took 18 French films, of which 
half were made by French Para- 
mount, against 1Q1 German, where- 
as in 1933. the figures were only 54 
German against 17 French. The 
trend is with them, they think. 

Robert Hurel, who distributes 
French films in Canada, is chief 
leader in a project to organize a 
French distributing organization in 
United. States, possibly to be known 
as France Films, which would have 
a showcase in the French House .of 
Radio City^ Negotiations were 
started during a recent trip to U. Si 
of Andre Chalus, once RKO dlstrib 
her<\ who would like to back the 
scheme. 



Dubbed Germans 

Paris, March 24. 
■ • Astra-Paris-Fiims is entering the 
local market with a series of Ger- 
man films dubbed In French, most 
of which have already been shown 
here In original versions at Studio 
de l'Etoile, showcase specializing in 
the Central European product. 

Among those shown to the trade 
this week are 'Jealousy', directed 
by Robert Wohlmuth; 'A Modern 
Woman' with Lil Dogover; 'Unfin- 
ished Symphony', Schubert film, and 
'The Prisoners', an adventure story 
directed by Jaap Speyer. 



Hope of Czech-American Pk Truce 
Dwindles as Germans Enter Parley 



rague, April . 2. 

Czech -American film relations 
have been thrown sky-high again 
by the Germans. Trade .Commis- 
sioner George Canty has been in 
Prague for several weeks negotiat- 
ing quietly with the Czech authori- 
ties in order to bring American 
films back on the market under, best 
terms possible. Arrangements were 
practically completed when the 
German industry, whose product 
had previously been banned for 
political reasons, offered the Czech 
'trade -'attractive ^terms^for^the=;lif t— 
ing. of the ban, which included an 
offer to produce one feature in 
Czechoslovakia for every five Ger- 
man features imported. 

Too good to be refused, even un- 
der the existing anti-Gelnrnarr attf- 
tude of the Czech film-going public, 
so an attempt was made by the 
Czechs to get the Americans to 
meet this bid. Canty refused flatly 
to enter any such competition and 



stated that the American Industry 
had neither the:. political desire nor 
the funds to beat Germany to domi- 
nation of the Czech market. 

Local trade circles, . believing 
that German propaganda funds are 
being employed to keep the Ameri- 
can films out of Czechoslovakia, 
feel sure that the door Is still open 
for a compromise, but are grad^- 
Ually seeing that the American in- 
dustry means what it says and will 
hot be hoaxed Into resumption of 
Its Czech business, especially in any 
spirited contest with the Germans 
aimed-to-jaek-up-its^sub&idy^con~ 
tribution,.. while ' local producers 
grab off the gravy. 

New film commission,, which in- 
cludes five government representa- 
tives from the Ministries, of For- 
eign Affairs, Commerce, and Kdu-> 
cation, is meeting this- week uhder 
what Is believed to be instructions 
from higher-up, to effect a settle- 
ment and thus relieve local politi- 
cal pressure. 



Paris, March 24. 

Max Friedland, .Universal g. m. 
for the Continent, has returned from 
his. trip to Hollywood to find his 
French production plans knocked' 
west by trouble with the French 
authorities In getting workers.' per- 
mits., for- .his aides. 

Friedland is German, and wanted 
to set up in Paris the. big production 
unit which he had formerly handled 
in Berlin. On his arrival here early 
In the winter he announced an am- 
bitious program, then went to 
America to • contact the Laemmles. 
his relatives, and look over the 
Universal home product. 

Meanwhile, with German and 
other foreign workers trying in In-" 
creased numbers to crash . . the 
French film industry; local unions 
started . a Trance for Frenchmen' 
campaign, and -the authorities grew 
tougher i matter of handi 

out permits. 

Friedland's' immediate problern is 
to get permission to use two girl 
secretaries, he brought with him 
from Berlin who speak Eriglish, 
French and German. All three are 
.essential because- Friedland speaks 
nothing but German. Without 
these girls Friedland is stuck. . They 
have been with him 10 years, and 
he says he can't possibly replace 
them by French workers. 

Wants Old Help 
He also wants a lot of others from 
his Old organization, who are scat- 
tered all over Europe,. In Budapest, 
Barcelona and other centers, and he 
can't call them until he gets the 
labor situation cleaned up here. 

To this end. a high-priced lawyer 
has been working for Universal for 
weeks; and the aid of Harold Smith, 
local Hays man, who is an expert 
in dealing with the French author- 
ities, has been enlisted. 

Smith is optimistic about the out- 
look for getting Universal a few 
permits. Whether large numbers 
can be obtained is another matter. 
Meanwhile, the U outfit is working 
in uncomfortable temporary offices 
and getting repeated jitters' as the 
police come every couple of days 
to check up on them* 

Friedland still hopes to get into 
local production in the summer for 
next season's release, if he can get 
settled. He won't announce any 
definite program again,, however. 
Says he came back with carte 
blanche from the Laemmles. to do 
about anything he thinks advisable. 
Distribution 
Immediate plans Involve release 
in France of & pic .made by U in 
Vienna, 'Gibbl/ which is now gath- 
ering good grosses in that town. It 
is based on a French story 'Green 
Fruit,' Savoir Thiery. , Francisco 
Gaal, a Viennese find, is the star, 
and Friedland ..is very optimistic 
about her. Another German lan- 
guage picture is now* being started 
in Budapest by Universal's globe- 
trotting outfit. Title is 'Spring 
Parade,' and a third film will follow 
in Budapest, Friedland says. 
... .Meanwhile, French distributing 
plans of Universal make good 
progress. 'Only Yesterday' and 
'Candlelight' aire being dubbed for 
the nabes arid provinces, and 
'Horseplay,' not yet shown in Eng- 
lish here, will follow. 'Invisible 
Man' is doing good . business at the 
Agrlculteurs . and Bonaparte, arid 
seems fixed for a Ton':; run. 'S. O. S, 
Iceberg,' in its German version, is 
opening at a new showcase, Club 
Artois. 



Auction Sale 



Paris, March 24. 

Belongings of Oscar Dufrenne, 
whose murder by a youth disguised 
as a sailor gave France one of its 
juiciest riiysteries last year, went 
on sale Saturday (17) before an 
excited mob at the public auction 
house4n?the--Rue^Drubutj— Dufrenne- 
was co-director of the Old Palace 
music, hall, known, as the Alcazar 
since his slaying. 

Books dedicated by Josephine 
Baker and Edouard Herrlot, for- 
mer"prpmier, were- sold: Highest 
prlce-r-$fjO — was obtained for a lot 
consisting of two' erotic books: 
Flaubert's 'Temptation of Sairit 
Anthony' and 'The Months of 
Love'. 



14 



VARIETY 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 




HERE HE IS, MEN! 

The star every showman in the country 
has been clamoring to play! We don't have 
to sell yoti . • .You know he's the ace rage of 
radio today! As usual Warner Bros, scooped 
all others in introducing this new star 
months ago— and the draw of his Vitaphone 
Shorts has grown to panic proportions 
in recent test engagements. Therefore . . . 

In response to unanimous exhibitor 
demand! Warner Bros, will reissue 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



VARIETY 



IS 



mm 





wmm 



AS* 




Four 2-Reelers 
1-Reelers. 



Three 



To Be Released Week- 
After-Week Starting 
April 14th. 

Apr.14 ('fi. w-J0E PENNER in "GANGWAY" 
Apr. 21-(/ a^o-JOE PENNER i* "MAKING GOOD" 
Apr. 28- ' ^i-JOE PENNER in "YOU NASTY MAN" 

{Formerly "tfere Princt't 

May 5-u /^/HOEPENNERfn "SERVICE STRIPES" 

May 12 ('/f, / ) J0E PENNER m "WHERE MEN ARE 

MEN" ' 

Hay 19-1/ »«4-J0E PENNER m "A STUTTERING 

ROMANCE" 

May26-u'fi"W-J0E PENNER in "TOREADOR" 

Ask any exhibitor who's played 
Penner . . . He'll tell you the only 
way to bill him is equally with 
or above the feature! 

Special new paper ready soon 
at your exchange! 

Vilograph, /nc v Distributor* 



16 



VARIETY 



VARIETY HOUSE REVIEWS 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



2-a-Day Straight Vode Back on ffway 
ks OK; Revue Idea; 20G Nut 




Straight vaudeville, back on 
Broadway, only it . isn't really 
vaudeville, but a revue^-and not on 
Broadway, but Seventh avenue. Ca- 
sino theatre was built for Earl Car- 
roll and lils revues and is perfectly 
adaptable for what Is billed as 'Ca- 
sino Varieties.' Excellent acoustics 
and really a terrific flash for 75c 
top. in. the afternoons and $1>!>9 
nights. 

Show caught was the opening 
performance after a couple of. 
nights of steady rehearsing, and 
it looked more or less in the class 
of a dress rehearsal. ■ Aside from a 
few dirty portions, which belong 
nowhere else but in a club or bur- 
lesque show, and the usual speed- 
ing up arid smoothing off of the 
rough edges, 'Varieties' has a 
stronger chance that most of the 
Broadway . skeptics gave it pre- 
opening. At the scale of prices 
there isn't a stage show on the main 
aHey, or elsewhere for that matter, 
which can compare with it. 

This is production in capital let- 
ters. It is staged like, the . .$4.40 
revues and the money sunk in 
scenery and costumes is plainly evi- 
dent. From one of the many people 
connected with the venture it was 
learned that the outlay for costumes 
alone for this show . was $6,000. 
Show in its entirety is said to stand 
around 120,000, $1,2,000 for the talent. 

House seats close to 2,200 and at 
the price scale can gross $38,000 at 
capacity. Opening show saw about 
85% capacity and around $1,600 in 
the till. Very few oakleys at the 
matinee, the . cuffos probably due in 
the first night's performance. 

An entertainment of this type 
should survive. There are. still 
revue-goers, even if there isn't a 
variety patron alive. 

Main stumbling block in the path 
of a straight- vaude venture right 
now is the lack of top-line stage 
acts with b.o. power. Plan here, 
though, is to keep each revue a 
minimum of two weeks and a maxi- 
mum of four. The contention of the 
Operators, Jack Shapiro, Harry 
Shiftman, Haring & Blumenthal, 



Two light comedians working to—- 
gether are nothing but a couple of 
straight men to an audience; For- 
tunately they stayed apart during 
the rest of the show. 

Gertrude Nlesen's pit accompani- 
ment was none too forte her first 
time out for a couple of songs. The 
16rpiece ' band, batonned by Frank 
Cork, seemed in need of more re- 
hearsal. The exotic warbler later 
in the show sold much better; 

First blackout was a . takeoff on 
a merger of the Amos *n' Andy and 
'Rise of the Goldbergs' radio pro- 
gram. A funny idea on paper, but 
not nearly so funny oh the stage. 

Then the Ritz brothers in a new 
bit for them-^three communists on 
strike against Jessel for using non- 
union gags. This was funny lor a 
while,, but then dragged out too 
long. Also it ended on a sour note 
When one of the boys turned around 
to show a toilet-seat painted on his 
back. 

DeMarcos, one of the ace ball- 
room . teams, slipped on in the 
'Spanish Fiesta' scene for a 'Carl- 
oca' and rang the bell solidly. The 
graceful exponents of the tango and 
waltz are backed. in this by the line, 
which was directed by Bobby Con-- 
nolly, assisted, by Charles and Louis 
Mosconi. Connolly also staged the 
entire show. 

One of the standout socks of the 
show is Lucille Page, acrobatic 
dancer, who got her first big chance 
in New York in this very same the 
atre in the first Carroll show in the 
house. She precedes an unfunny 
blackout on Hitler (Jesse! and Ritz 
boys). 

Closing intermission; and di 
rectly after another smash solo ses 
sion by Jessel on-the apron, is the 
'Nudist Ballet.' Nobody, however, 
is in the nude, and the entire spec 
tacle seemed meaningless . unless for 
advertising purposes. The line, 
Eunice Healey arid Jack Whitney 
take part in this. Girls are In skin- 
tight scanties, while' the boy wears 
a loin cloth. 

Miss Healey opens the second 
half with a special 'Cuh-Razy for 



nies in another spot on this show, 
and they hold it down alone. The 
ballet girls' other spot is in tho 
opening spectacle. 
Latter combines the overture with 
stage presentation, the whole com- 
ing under the title of 'Easter 
Chimes.* Th© scene is the interior 
of a cathedral, beautifully mounted 
and costumed, with the runways 
along the two side orchestra walls 
also utilized. This is. the sort of 
production number in which the 
Music Hall excels. No other theatre 
i n the country is equipped to match 
it in that respect. 
Besides the Buck feature there is 
Walt Disney color 'Symphony,' ap- 
propriately, labeled 'Funny Little 
Bunnies.' It finishes on a scrim and 
blends Into the Rockettes* bunny 
dance when the stage lights up. 

Buck's personal Is the last Item 
on the bill, immediately following 
the picture. 

Passover and Good Friday failed 
to kick holes in the business Friday 
night; after . a big opening day 
(Thursday) and attendance that 
an . pretty close to capacity Friday 
afternoon. 

With the circus in town at the 
Garden,: Music Hall Is making a play 
for the - same type of patronage in 
anticipation of the kids going for 
Buck's celluloid wild animal show. 

Bi 



and their booker, Arthur Fisher, is pave, with the line behind, and 
that they can find 'names* every then the Ritz Brothers do their 
four weeks; although admitting that £ ,, yaud f l urn * topped with 
getting new ones every, week would \ } h6 Jekyll-Hyde farce. Miss Niesen 
be tough. is on again for a song, sitting on a 

Operators also intended to open stand over the pit, and this time she 
the basement of the Casino as a sl ^shed. 

restaurant. They had arranged for The De Marcos get an oppqrtur 
a liquor license and were in the nlt y 'to deliver, a. waltz In a down- 
throes of decorating the bottom s° uth scen * whlcn - except for, their 
floor when something, happened and ™ nclng ' also , m f an l very " u L e ' 
they called the thing off. Now they This Part of the «how and the 
are undecided whether they will n Ji d «t ballet are strictly for flash 
ever go through with it. Plan was eff , ect ' Scenery is yery .good, but at 
to sell a combination ticket, en- this performance the lighting was 
titling the patron to a $1.50 dinner n °t on i par. 
and the same price theatre seat for Closing Varieties is 'The Changing 
$2.50, or less if the patron wished °£ the Guards, a scene similar to 



a cheaper seat. 



that put on by Connolly in musical 



Last "straight vaude venture on I co m e d y - The entire cast take part 
Broadway was about two years ago | £or a 100% s end-off. 

MUSIC HALL, N. Y. 



at the Hollywood, with Arthur 
Klein as promoter. Just previous 
to that the Palace dropped the all 
variety for a combination of plx 
arid five 'acts. Incidentally, Elmer 
Rogers, \.ho managed the Palace 
from the' day it opened until it de 




NEWSREELS 



TRANSLUX 



CAPITOL, N. % 



Frank Buck is here in the flesh, to 
take a bow for and. explain some of 
the action in his animal picture, 
^ _ . ,„ . 'Wild Cargo' (Radio). His four 

serted straight vaudeville, is man- mmu t e s in front of the Hall's fancy 
aging the Casino. traveler represents the only person- 

Show Itself has a wealth of tal- a i ity no te in the current stage bill, 
ent, but opening day too many which otherwise Is all mass sing-: 
things were going wrong, or were , and danc i n g and scenic flash.- 
wrong, for it to look 100%. With | A change in the billing this week 



a couple more days under its belt, 
however, It should look entirely dif- 
ferent and more than worth the 
price of admission. 



transforms the famous. Roxyettes 
into the Rockettes, for reasons that 
are obvious but perhaps not entirely 
justifiable. In switching monickers 



George Jessel and Walter O'Keefe the Music' Hall management is toss 



are toplining and. doing a double 
m.c. job. Others are Antonio and 
Renee DeMarco, Gertrude Niesen, 
Eunice Healey, Lucille Page, Three 
Ritz Brothers, Raymond Covert and 
Musketeers, Pops and Louie, and a 
line of 34 girls. Operators are miss- 
ing a good bet In not especially ad 
vertisirig that line on their looks 

Jessel was at top form .at the 
matinee everywhere but - in the 
blackouts. And, as far as the latter 
are concerned; nobody could look 
good in their humorless state 



ing. away the best known arid prob- 
ably most valuable 'trade label for a 
line of dancing girls since the Till- 
ers. 

The Russell Markert charges are 
the best known line ih the country, 
mostly through their own unexcelled 
precision work, but this theatre has 
indirectly done a lot to put them 
where they are; The average Music 
Hall show would be dull, indeed 
without the girls to pep 'em up, 
which makes the line more notice- 
able than It would be ordinarily; 



O'Keefe, however was missing--also and aIso acce ntuates the girls' merit 

he was responsible for the - This week being no exception, the 

portions^ In the show via his de- ]lne , s agaln tn e b rea , wall0 p of the 

iverv of two^s^ e* en thoufeh there Is more 
> S ^ ^ r ™^ e1 ;^^ ?iS than the usual competition in a 
■l&XS^to^^M&l^ ™* *™ th « «a,h Easter 
floor or in burlesque. 



It is right after the line makes 
its first appearance is revealing, 
skin-tight costumes that the show 
shows necessary fixing. Pops and 
Louie, two colored singing and hoof- 
ing kids, are on for three songs and 
a couple of routines for a total of 



item up ahead. In the closer the 
Roxyettes (beg pardon, the Rock- 
ettes) do one of their applause- 
grabbing military formation rou- 
tines. . Working with them- this time 
and doing the same work are the 
ballet girls, who show surprising 
ability in a department of Music 

Which„the y 



abT)ut-10-mihutes-when=they^shou1d^ 

have ortly done five and then taken don't ordinarily, participate. Th- 

a cut One of the chocolate babies combined groups, one in blue and 

has a lot of personality, but it's, all the other in orange, give the ciis- 

the same type. Following them is tomers an eyeful of 64 girls going 

the line again, making the princi- through the same motions at one 

nals unseen for the first 18 minutes and the same time. Number is called 

of th£ show 'Guards on Parade' and the setting 

Jessel's opening line was, 'It's a is an imperial courtyard. Male 

nleasure to be back In .a vaude- singing corps in red uniforms starts 

Ville theatre, so help me God!' It off, and there's also a real horse 

Then his gags, and they all landed— bearing a soldier, in the background, 

and then on came O'Keefe and the Roxyettes (there it goes again) 

laughter stopped for a few minutes. 1 are also the inevitable Easter bun- 



For some time, a little • while' back 
up here they were depending on 
pictures, alone, paying scant atten- 
tion to the; stage from a box office 
point of view, The pictures were 
unable to carry the burden of draw 
alone arid then along' came a pro- 
cession of personals, including May 
Robson, Lionel Barrymore, Ramon 
Novarro, Clark. Gable and; just fin-, 
lshed on a two weeks' engagement, 
the . trio of Jimmy Durante, Lou 
Holtz and Polly Moran. 

Before the. names came In the 
Capitol had begun to lose its mo- 
mentum badly. In the last few 
weeks it has shown signs of re- 
turning to the fine swing which it 
formerly enjoyed* 

Paul Whiteman with his orches- 
tra and numerous specialty enter- 
tainers, plug a line of girls; are oh 
the stage this week, while 'Rip 
Tide* (MG), starring Norma 
Shearer, occupies the screen.. The 
combination looks like box office 
for the upper Broadway de luxer. 

Whiteman and his .fine, stage re- 
tinue \is all the picture needs for 
company on a strong drive - for 
heavy . receipts. Both 'Rip Tide' 
arid Whiteman. were booked, in for 
two weeks, " win,, lose . or draw. 
There's little danger that a hold 
over week will: court danger. House 
has ah option on Whiteman for 
two additional weeks. . Band IS in 
at $8,000. With the only other cost 
on show the Sara Mildred Straus 
Dancers, 32 of them, the . cost 
doesn't look much above - average. 

Line of - girls opens and . closes 
with Whiteman as the meat be 
tween the bread and the running 
time held, down to a comfortable 
49 minutes. Inclusion of a short, 
'Twin Screws' (MG). runs the whole 
show out too long, however, two 
hours and 60 minutes. Feature is 
92 minutes. 

After the Sara Straus dancers 
have opened in a dance of. pagan 
ritual qualities, an odd routine set 
off effectively by lighting and the 
bare feet of the girls, the . strains 
of 'Rhapsody in Blue' come Up to 
introduce the Whiteman orchestra 
.There are 23 pieces and quite 
few specialty entertainers, ihclud 
ing Peg Healy, Florence and At 
varez, Goldi'e, Jack Fulton, John 
'Babe' Hauser, John Morcer, Jack 
Teagarden and Dale Rhodes 
Whiteman's announcements over 
the public address system, which 
up here doesn't seem to be in the 
best shap . aren't clear enough to 
make identity certain in all cases. 

Aside from the dance team of 
Florence and Alvarez, graceful 
without having knockout propor- 
tions, specialties are mostly sing- 
ing, rest being a little instrumental 
work.' Several of the routines suf- 
fer' from poor diction and a lack 
of showmanship.. , 
. The girl single doing 'This.Llt. T 
tie Piggie,*' the imitation of Joe 
Penner, and the two .sorig numbers 
by Rairiona at a. piano set over the 
pit, are the outstariders. 

Anything that is lacking on spe- 
cialties is more than made up by 
the excellehce.. of the Whiteman 
band, its . fine handling of music, 
Including ' a lengthy number, corn- 
posed by one of the boys, and the 
generally fine showmanshi which 
exists! 

Business Friday night at the 
peak hour was over capacity, which 
augurs well, . since this was Good 
Friday, toughest day. of the Lenten 
period, as well as Passover. Rgb- 
ert Montgomery made a personal 
appearance ph the first show; just 
la^say^Jhello. -- — T hat^ «pr*' , ■ ■> 
helped tome. Char. ■ 



Early Saturday matinee was like 
a dress rehearsal. Trouble began 
at the box-office. Joe Penners 
duck was provided with such a 
loud quacker that It was heard In- 
side the house as well as across the 
street. Now and then when the 
audience was silent during a seri- 
ous subject, the mechanical ex- 
ploitation persistently Interfered. 

Something; went wrong with the 
projection machine a couple of 
times. Once It repeated three clips. 
Then it had Just Mickey Mouse's 
face prefacing the National Steeple- 
chase. Incidentally this race,, se- 
cured in detail by Path* and prob- 
ably the most complete' coverage of 
any similar-jevent in the. past, pre- 
sented another Luxer flaw. At this 
house the race projected dimly, as 
though photographed oh a dark day. 
The sariie story at the Embassy was 
sharp and clear-cut on the- screen. 

Through Raymond Moley, Para- 
mount went after Nazi propaganda 
arid activity in the U. S. In sub- 
stantiation of Moley's assertions, 
cameramen visited Hitler book- 
stores and even close-rupped a. paper 
described as biased. When it In- 
terviewed a German leader here 
there was no audience demonstra- 
tion except a single 'baloney.' 

Reels have had little about. In- 
still. Tox got a brief study of him 
just before his deportation from 
Greece. Trl-nation peace pact, fea- 
turing Mussolini, was also sketched 
by Fox. 

Jimmie Walker did his bit for the 
reel boys in* England. Just a lot of 
fast talk, soriie of which provoked 
laughs. Most Interesting thing in 
the clip to Broadway fans, at least, 
was that Walker looks a lot bet ter 
physically. 

Story of an 80-year-old Welfare 
Island charworiian, as part of the 
investigation, is provoking one of 
those strange reactions which is 
characteristic . of certain news on 
the screen. Intended 'to be tragic, 
the lion-like face of the witness and 
her indignation at being Informed 
that some one else was cutting into 
her $17 per month salary; permitted 
the audience's laughter to sidetrack 
the tear. 

Luxer led off with Pathe's story 
of the Army built around Army 
Day on April 6. Clip is educational 
as well as interesting, taking in 
everything from the Panama Canal 
and Indians to the Washington 
monument. 

Another historical sketch is pro- 
vided by Pathe's Peary expedition, 
with Capt. Bartlett doing the nar- 
rating. Library was used for illus- 
trations. 

Universal Went out of town for 



a 



EMBASSY 



.Emb currently takes a deep dip in 
news, letting the Luxer win hands 
down. There are so many subjects 
the Emb this week hasn't that fun 
money's 'Worth for the quarter 
which Is to be obtained at the 
Luxer. 

Looks as though there has been a 
crack-down on Pathe for pre-re- 
leaslng some of its spot stuff in the 
Emb exclusively. IJntll this -week 
the house has been Injecting clips 
which have riot been available to 
its regular customers until the fol- 
lowing week. 

If this is so, and It has been an* 
tlcipated in theatre circles for some 
time, the Emb shapes up as being. 
- deprived of its - strongest weapon, 
against the Luxer. Significant in,' 
ttyis direction is that the Luxer la, 
using its old .masthead and giving;' 
Pa^he the customary feature post* 
tlon in the program where It merits 
such space. 

Excepting such f eaturettes as 'Ten 
Tears Ago,' 'World Cruise' arid three 
news clips— Knights of Malta In 
Rome, hockey game of the Rangers 
arid Montreal and a Chicago boy 
prodigy — the Emb . had nothing 
Which it could call its own. All the 
Pathe program . and generous con- 
scriptions from the other reels are 
at the Luxer, plus a cartoori and 
two shorts. 

It's just a no-contest comparison 
between the two houses except in 
certain technical phases. Waly. 



some strike scenes, viewing Cam*, 
den and Cleveland. Subjects were- 
clipped too closely by the Luxer. 
The peaceful touch was quickly in- 
jected into the prograrn by Pathe's 
statement from William Green about 
the auto situation. 

All the reels had Dr. Wirt's story 
about the brain trust. Paramount, 
however, went- to former Mayor Hy- 
lan for. a contradiction. 

Elliott Roosevelt was more, or less 
put on the spot by reel queries as to 
his attitude concerning air mail. 
Hooked up with a commercial out- 
fit he exhibited a tact , which satis* 
fled the audience and yet did noli 
conflict with his father's ruling.. . 

Other subjects: Golden Gloves? 
Slam royalty in Italy; Japanese 
training ship; Paris opera; Easter* 
hats; Follies beauts with some com- 
edy by Fannie Br ice; casting huge 
telescope; Bobby Jones; Lynchburg, 
Va. fire; Florida high diver; Dflling- 
er gangsters being moved to pen; 
circus arrival; Thames River Var- 
sity race; N. T. marathon; Roose- 
velt In Florida; PWA loan to rail- 
road. Waly. 



PALACE, N. Y. 

ven at the Palace the . booker 
seems to be trying this week. The 
result is a holiday bill, with ample 
comedy, plenty of contrast and 
building to a hot 'finish. Acts blend 
better than usual and only rear- 
end collision is a slight one between 
Eddie Garr and Lew Parker. Not 



that the acts are the same, but it's 
two In a row with a male comedian 
carrying the load. Garr is on his 
own but Parker has four to help 
him. 

This Is the Boh Hope 'Antics of 
1934' with Paul Murdock, Marian 
Bailer, George Towne and Bill Bur- 
dick. They work hard/ though not 
all their efforts get over. Opener 
is a little thin, but builds when the 
two men in the boxes start talking 
and after that it goes along nicely, 
with the big bit the miniature melo- 
drama with Miss Bailer vamping 
the shooting squad.. She's a real 
eyeful in this. Reason is she wears 
so little. Her dancing dress is an 
atrocity. 

Garr is the next to shut, and 
holds up his end and more with 
some picture imitations,, the best 
being Chevalier. He has not the 
face for a mimic and really sug- 
gests none of the "people he imper- 
sonates, but he has the trick of 
making some facial quirk to suit the 
character, and he did not have to 
tie tags on them. He is using Jim 
Thornton's two eggs and a few kind 
words' that Thornton sprang some 
30 years ago, and they still laugh. 
Came on to a good hand arid off 
to a better one. 

De Guchi troupe, which opened, 
can lay claim to being the only 
Jap act without a single fan. They 
haven't the; time to fan themselves. 
.All solid meat and high-grade toss 
ing and tumbling all through. 
Makes a corking opener and leaves 
them set for. What follows. -Etta 
Moten (New Acts) pulls the damper 
for a moment in her deuce spot, but 
she persuaded them she was good, 
and no damage, but a faster, act in 
the spot would have made the en 
tire show a runaway. Audience ex- 
pected .her to dance, since she had 
sung the 'Carioca' number ih 'Fly- 
ing Down to Rio,' but she sang and 
wr iggled ^Jt, with hard ly enough 
wriggles. 

Services were closed by the Dona 
tella Brothers and Carmen, not to 
mention the old folks. The old 
lady spanks a mean tambourine and 
helps to a wind-up that brought 
them two curtain bows in spite of 
the fact they closed the show. One 
of the boys is. a wonder with his 
slow motion dance, the highlight of 
the act, but they, click from the 
start. 

Film is JBottbms Up' (Fox). Chic. 



PALACE, CHICAGO 

Chicago, March 31. 
Theatre is on the slide and slip- 
ping faster each week. Box-office 
ladies are getting lonesome in that 
cubicle waiting for the occasional 
customer to straggle up. Maybe It's, 
the price, the S3 cents top being 
the stlffest tariff, throughout the 
territory. Maybe •' it's- the attrac- 
tions, with the house offering noth- 
ing which cannot . be seen for less 
and even half the money at . com- 
peting theatres in the loop. 

Compare this house with, the Ori- 
ental currently. » At the B, & K. 
spot a fellow arid his girl can park 
for 80c total and see a 90-minute 
vaude and presentation show topped 
by Milton Berle, besides an Edward 
G. Robinson picture, 'Dark Hazard'. 

At this house a fellow would have 
to plank down $1.63 to see 'This 
Man is Mine' (RKO), with Irene 
Dunne, and . a vaude show that con- 
sists of only four acts* Two of 
those acts are singles, one a family 
four-act and the other the Buddy 
Rogers band turn. At the Oriental 
a line of girls for flash and color; 
here Dixie Dunbar in the Rogers 
turn is the only s.a. dancing femme 
in the entire line-up. Looks skimpy 
and meatless. 

At the Oriental, or the Chicago, 
or the State-Lake, there's fancy 
lighting, colored backdrops, action 
and a stage full of people. Here 
there's a single in one with a street 
drop. Even the Buddy Rogers turn 
used the theatre's drab, gray curtain 
for its backing. It's simply not In 
the cards. If the house Is going to 
continue this let 'er lay policy its 
box-office must continue to grow 
weak-blooded and droopy from con-, 
tinuous malnutrition. Only the 
World's Fair, with its actual forc- 
ing of people Into house, will help. 
Gary Ford Family open with 

"singing. Four kfds with plenty of 
talent, and aided by. excellent, cos- 
tuming. 

Johnny Burke continues with his 
traditional and prehistoric, rookie 
monolog. Hasn't changed a word or 
a gesture and finishes with his regu- 
lar piano tickling. Sheila Barrett 
took the trey spot and adds little 
with the cycle of impersonations. 
Vaude is loaded with pseudo Mae 
West's, ZaSu Pittses, CJar.bos, Hep- 
(Continued on page 34) 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



FILM REVIEWS 



VARIETY 



17 




'LIFE'S LAST LAUGHS' 

Epitaph Series 

7 Mint. ■*• 

R. C Music Hall 

C. 8. Clancy 

Highly original and entertaining 
as a tidbit If not over present 
length and not too frequent in re- 
lease. — — 

Described as the first of a series 
pf 19 dealing with strange and fre- 
quently amusing epitaphs on old 
tombstones in the TJ. 0. and Eng- 
land, It is the one subject that can 
wring laughs from a graveyard* 

Producer an Independent who is 
now negotiating for a national re- 
lease/ promises to correct one or 
two faults In the presentation of 
these subjects. Most , conspicuous is 
recorder reading lines on a stone 
while they are visible to the audi- 
ence eye. Photography Is good.' 

'I SCREAM' 

With Gus Shy, Shemp Howard 
Comedy 
15 Mint. 
Strand, N. Y. 

Vitaphone Nos. 1591-2 

Inane and .draggy slapstick with 
only an occasional giggle for adults. 
May be more successful with kids 

in getting giggles, but deluxers Will 
probably sidestep release as essen- 
tially silly rather than funny. ■ 
Gus Shy, from musical comedy, is 
an Ice cream salesman in white uni- 
form with military epaulets. He Is 
sent to make peace among rival 
toughies in the ghetto. Chases, 
physical violence, gunfire and ulti- 
mately a rescue .by other . ice cream 
salesmen who pelt the mobsters 
gives an idea. Land. 



'ALL ON DECK' 
Musical 

tO Mini, 
Rialto, N. Y. 

Paramount 

A lot of : background is here pro- 
vided for a few specialty numbers, 
as they might be done on the air 

with a microphone in evidence on 
the set. Lightweight in entertain- 
ment value. 

Deck of a Spanish galleon serves 
as the. setting, with the Ed Paul or- 
chestra . rigged . out as pirates but; 
no numbers by the band alone. 

Three Singing Sailors open in a 
bit arid are. folio wed by Del Campo, 
Henry Burbig and Gertrude Niesen, 
each contributing one number. Bur- 
big goes over best with his wop 
spiel on the Boston tea party, 
Niesen closing with a song nicely 
suited to her talents. Char. 



'TWIN SCREWS' 
Comedy 
19 Mint. 
Capitol, N. Y. 

Roach- Metro 
Not much more than mild amuse- 
ment derives from this effort of the 
Hal Roach studios and James Par- 
rott, the director who" turned it Into 
celluloid from a story that should 
have looked doubtful at the start 

Action largely concerns three 
sailors on a tramp vessel who are 
given some shore leave in a French 
port. They wade into a dive and 
get a little mixed up with girls, but 
chief effort for laughs, is an Apache 
dance challenge. One of the sail- 
ors, a short fellow, dresses up hu- 
morously as a girl and his partner 
tries to outdo in roughness and 
technique the challenging efforts of 
an Apache dance team. 

Usual knife-wielding and chas- 
ing figures, but no love interest 

Char. 



'WHERE'S ELMER?' .^~\ 
Comedy; 20 Mine. 
Vince Barnett 
Mayfair, N. Y. 

Universal - 

How some of the incidents in. this, 
got by ; the HaysL-COdists may find 
an' answer elsewhere. It isn't so 
much the morality- issue as it is 
just crass and smelly vulgarity. 
There is a situation, for instance, in 
an operating room travestied be- 
yond the limit 

The* title is a misnomer. Sup- 
posedly this in a parody oh "the 
underworld. It introduces what 
could have been developed into an 
original idea— underworld making a 
racket out of a private hospital. The 
whole thing is hit or miss in a 
slovenly way. Shorts • of this kind 
are the best .argument for double 
features. Waly. 



BUSTER K EATON 
'The Gold Ghost' 
20 Mina. 
Comedy 

Roxy, N. Y. 

. Educational 

Buster Keaton. Is almost a for- 
gotten story, but if he can turn out 
more shorts as consistently funny 
as this one, he doesn't have to reach 
for a back seat. There are laughs 
here for almost, any bouse. 

Buster is a tenderfoot, laughed at 
by his girl, so goes out West to for- 
get. Stumbles into a forgotten town, 
completeley neglected since the 
death of the gold rush, and finds 
himself alone. So he appropriates 
the sheriff's badge and guns. Then 
someone discovers gold again, the 
mob comes rushing back and Bus- 
ter makes good to protect hilmself : 

Plenty of - prattfalls and break- 
away furniture, making it a cinch. 

Kauf. 



Miniature Reviews 



ipti .(MO). Shearer's 
first, since 'Smilin' Through.' 
Has all earmarks, of box office. 
Montgomery and Marshall head 
good supporting cast. 

'Wild Cargo' (Radio). 
Buck's first since Uring 'Em 
Back Alive,' with most of that 
one's best points. Should do 
well on merit while the right 
exploitation will make it cer- ■ 
tain.'- • 

'Lost Patrol' (RKO). AU- 
male east, headed by Victor 
Mel j glen, aided , by competent 
adaptation and direction, makes 
another desert; soldier story 
better than average entertain- 
ment. 

'Melody Spring' (Par). 
Introes . Lanny Ross - from 
radio . .as a romantic singing 
juvenile in a mild flicker.. 
Charles. Ruggles and Mary 
Boland most prominent 7 in 
cast 

'Countess of Monte. Cristo' 

(U). Fair, romantic . comedy 
with European background. 
Heavily handled, but ought to 
get moderate: grosses. 

'Goodbye Love* (Radio). Slow 
farce which creaks along for a 
quarter' hour beyond its values. 



WILD CARGO 

Vad Beuren production for: RKO Radio 
release. Directed by Armand Denis. Frank 
Ruck, heads native cast. Based on book 
by Ruck and Edward S. Anthony. Nicholas 
Cavalte're and Leroy O. Phelps, photogs. 
Narrative , by Courtney Riley Cooper. .At 
Music Hall, N. Y.. week March 29. Run-' 
nlnx time, 03 mina. 



the herd in 'Kong. r But that an- 
imal film of five years or so ago 
featured the elephant hunt whereas 
this one makes it only Incidental 
aa well as less exciting. 

Buck is mostly concerned with 
illustrating how the various ob- 
jects of hl«j hunt are captured 
alive. The ingenious methods, of 
bloodless capture will hold any- 
body's attention.. 'One. bit that will 
get laughs involves the capture of 
some small monkeys with what 
Buck calls a 'dirty trick.' A hole 
Is bored in a cocdanut into which 
is poured some rice, and the cocda- 
nut tied to a stake. The monkey 
sticks his mitt in the cocoanut, get-, 
ting a handful of rice; he can't get 
out unless he opens his fist,- but 
that would mean losing tho rice. So 
the ! monk holds on and is bagged. 
In another monkey chase Buck 
takes a big orang-outang With a 
ground net by shooting the. limb, of 
a tree out from tinder him., in an- 
other sequence Buck gets into a 
pit trap with a man-eating tiger. 

Narrative, which Buck delivers as 
well as being the leading charac- 
ter irt the picture, Was written by 
Courtney Riley Cooper. It's to the 
point and in plain language, ad- 
hering to the subject in explana- 
tory fashion, and trying for laughs 
but two or three times. Buck's sole 
human . support are the natives. 
Buck himself looks, rather heavy 
around the middle in his boy scout 
getup. 

Impression that, the picture was 
shot silent isn't overcome by the 
too frequently, dubbed synthetic 
sound. That's the only thing phony 
about the film, the photography all 
looks like "the McCoy. Musical 
score: accompanying most of the 
scenery never interferes with or 
becomes more noticeable than the 
picture, which means a good musi- 
cal job. Bige. 



MELODY IN SPRING 

(WITH SONGS) 

Paramount production and release (Doug- 
las MacLean, producer), featuring Lanny 
Ross, Charlie Ruggles arid Mary Boland. 
Directed by Norman McLeod. Screen play, 
Benn W. Levy, from; story by Frank Leon 
Smith. Camera, Henry Sharp; songs by 
Lewis Gensler and Harlan Thompson. At 
Paramount, N. Y.. week. March 30. Run- 
ning time. 75 mlns. 

.... . . .Lanny Ross 

. ..Charlie Ruggles 
......Mary Roland 

......Ann Sothern 

,.. .George Meeker . 
..'....Herman Ring' 

........Joan Gale 

...Jane Gale 

.June Gale 



John Craddock. 
Warren Blodgett . . . . . 
Mrs. Mary Blodgett.. 

Jane .Blodgett. ...- 

Wesley Prebble. . . ; . . 
^^yirt • w • ■ *'*.••* 

SUX&li» * • • ••••»■ • a. 

SUZ(LDA&* • • • 



RIP TIDE 

Matro production and release. Starring 
Norma Shearer; Robert Montgomery, Her- 
bert Marshall, Ralph Forbes, Lllyan Tash- 
tnan, Mrs. Patrick Campbell featured. Di- 
rected by Edmund Gouldlng. Story and 
adaptation by Gouldlng. At -Capitol, N. T., 
week March 80. Running time, 02 mlns. 

Mary...... Norma Shearer 

Tommle. .Robert Montgomery 

Lord Rexford Herbert Marshall 

Aunt Hetty Patrick Campbell 

Erskine ... Skeets Gallagher 

Fen wick. , Ralph Forbes 

Sylvia... Lllyan Tashman 

Bertie.;.... ..George K. Arthur 



This, the first Norma Shearer pic- 
ture since *Sn>nrn' Through,' is of 
'sturdy timber and will assert itself 
at the box office in sharp terms.. 
Business will come, in a large, mear 
sure, from the favorable ' reaction 
certain to be created and the word- 
of- mouth that Will. help. 

'Rip Tide' lends itself happily to 
advertising and exploitation and, 
because of the nondescript title, this 
is needed to some extent to whip 
up Interest as to what, the story is 
all . about They save it an advance 
campaign on this engagement that 
could well be copied.. 

Story was built with great care, 
finesse and. sympathetic under- 
standing around domestic difficul- 
ties that are grounded to some ex- 
tent in the questionable past of the 
girl. It is a theme that can't miss 
when handled ingeniously and care- 
fully, yet with proper restraint and 
simplicity, as this screen job shows. 

For Miss Shearer the part 
whittled out by Edmund Gouldlng, 
who also directed, is a natural. In 
some respects it's the sort of thing 
Miss Shearer does very well and, 
permitting her to go strong on 
wardrobe, makes it that much more 
up her alley. The women will be 
-inteTestedrif lio^t^intrlguedrbF^Chat 
alone, no doubt 

Now and then Robert Montgom- 
ery becomes a semi-heavy, it hap-, 
pens again in "Rip Tide.' Mont- 
gomery does a wastrel, who loves 
to drhjk and as much would love to 
break up the marriage of the girl 
he knew years back in his oatier 
days in New York. 

At first sympathetic interest 
veers strongly , against Montgomery. 
t>ut as the picture progresses it 
softens along with developments, 
Which would Indicate the man is 



snapping out of \t and seriously has 
fallen in love with the girl. 

All along she's fighting to keep 
her husband, a five-year-old daugh- 
ter also figuring, but her efforts to 
convince him an innocent drinking 
party in which Montgomery falls 
from her balcony window, went- no 
further than that, are seemingly 
futile. 

The story makes two surprise 
turns. When divorce is threatened 
with certainty, the unhappy wife 
goes off and, with Montgomery, en- 
gages in an affair. Then the hus- 
band calls her back and all seems 
on the way to happiness again when 
circumstances reveal what has hap- 
pened. Divorce again becomes cer- 
tain/but at o the last: minute they 
reach a reconciliation. 

On paper it may sound a little 
far-fetched, but as done by Gould- 
lng, both in story and direction, a 
very convincing note is struck. 

Herbert Marshall gives an excel- 
lent account of himself ' opposite 
Miss Shearer as her husband, an 
English lord. He performs with 
fine restraint and an ease of man- 
ner and bearing, that is refreshing. 

in a few instances Miss Shearer 
is a trifle off-key with her hands, 
going into gestures that are both 
Odd and somewhat disturbing; 
Otherwise, hers is an extraordinar- 
ily good performance. Lllyan Tash- 
man was on only In one brief se- 
quence. 

Mrs. Patrick Campbell makes her 
debut on the screen in this picture 
as a gay, party-loving auntie. She 
suggests the Alison Skipworth type, 
but neither screens very well nor 
possesses a voice that commands 
more than passing attention. . She 
should, help the picture in England. 

In settings, costuming, lighting 
and Photography, 'Rip Tide* reflects 
a commendable Job all around. 

■ " ' ■ ---' — : —- ".'- — Char. 



THE 



PATROL 



G0LDWY1TS N, Y. TESTS 

Sam Goldwya eastern office is 
testing jtfrlsjfojrjiiddie Cantor's next 
picture, slated to go into production 
early this summer. Freddie Kphlmar 
is In New York in charge. 

Goldwyn wants faces and figures 
first rather than show experience. 
Included were some girls from 
N. T. G.'s Paradise restaurant. 



*Wftd Cargo' hasn't the wild 
jungle fury of ring ?Em Back 
Alive/ but' surpasses Frank 
Buck's first in other, respects, and 
should do almost as well, at the box 
office. It needs selling, but lends, 
itself naturally to unusual exploita- 
tion. 

That the intrepid Buck has. be- 
come picture-wise in the two years 
that have passed since 'Alive' is 
easy to see in this picture, which is 
superior to its predecessor probably, 
in every technical, department. But 
whether the change has helped is 
questionable. 

'Alive* s' strength was in its nat- 
uralness and disregard . for - animal 
film, conventions. The actual an- 
imal studies seemed not" only to 
have- been -held most important, but 
of sole importance. With 'Wild 
Cargo* more care was taken prq- 
ductionally, and the result, is a wild 
game hunt that too often runs ac- 
cording to studio script instead of 
plain nature. , 
In . Buck himself as well as in his 
picture the psychological change 
is apparent. He has 'become a bit 
of an actor. Even does some mug- 
ging. He rriuggs mostly in. the next- 
to-closing . scene, when supposedly 
confronted by a king cobra on the 
loose. If spotting means anything, 
it's intended as the big thrill scene 
of the picture. Whether Buck was 
actually in danger at that moment 
Is not clearly shown by the camera, 
and therefore doubtful, since Buck 
and the snake are not pictured to 
gether until he has the reptile un 
der control with his coat wrapped 
around Its head. As. a cutting job 
the scene was well handled* how 
ever, because the alternate views of 
Buck and the shake are quickies 
which may not give the average au- 
ditor time .to ask embarrassing 
questions. 

Buck has • another hand-to-hand 
encounter, with a snake earlier in 
the picture, this One a python, 
Scene is more obviously staged than 
the one involving the cobra, since 
the python is photographed slink-, 
ing into its hiding place before it 
grabs the hunter's arm in its jaws 
and starts, to coll. It conveniently 
grabs Buck's left wing, giving the 
hunter the opportunity to ' kill it 
With a right-handed, revolver. 

Making a personal appearance 
with the film at the Music Mall, 
Buck explains the aftermath of the 
python encounter. Pythons are 
not poisonous, he explains, but kill 
,by constriction. However, he added, 
their jaws are powerful. He and 
his guide spent the next night pick- 
ing the snake's small,, sharp teeth 
out of. his arm. 

Buck again assigns the python to 
the all-around villian. role. And, 
as in his first picture, a honey bear 
and monkey in a continuous domes,* 
tic wrassling match are the com-* 
jdy reliet._ __ 

A python's encounter with aTilack 
leopard, in which the -snake is 
graphically portrayed in the act of 
crushing his cat -victim, is the only 
animal battle shown* except for a 
mild pushing match , between a pair 
-of^water-b.uffalo. The several ter- 
rific struggles between jungle 
beasts were responsible for 'Alive's' 
tremendous power. This one is a 
more peaceful, yet engrossing, na- 
ture study. 

An elephant round-up, starting 
the picture off in interesting fash- 
Ion, is remindful of the capture of 



RKO production and release. Features 
Victor McLaglen. : Directed by John Ford. 
Based on. story, , 'Patrol,' by PhUlp Mac- 
Donald. Adaptation, Dudley Nichols; addi- 
tional dialog, Garrett Fort: camera, Harold 
Wenstrom. At the RlaUo. N. Y., week 
starting Friday, April 80. Running time, 
74 mlns. ■■: 

Sergeant; .Victor McLaglen 

Sanders. . . . ■'. '. ; . . . i . . .Boris Kar.on 

rforelll. .Wallace Ford 

3rown Reginald Denny 

Qulacaauon.... t ......«.J. M. Kerrigan 

Hale ................ .'. .". Billy Beyan 

Cook. ,\ .......... . . Alan Jlale 

Bell. ................... . ... .Brandon Hurst 

Pearson .Douglas Walton 

Abelson . Sammy Stein 

A. viator. .Howard Wilson 

tfackay Paul ' Hanson 



Not a woman in the cast and 
substantially little as to story, but 
under the weight of suspense, dialog 
and competency of direction 'Lost 
Patrol' tips the scales favorably as 
entertainment. Its appeal is direct- 
ed mostly to. men. with the cast all 
male and the locale of the story 
entirely in the desert, yet women 
whose tastes are often an enigma 
may find something about it they 
like. Ruggedness of the soldiers 
and the life they live In 'Lost Pa 
trol' may interest some females. 

All t of the action takes place in 
the Mesopotamian desert, during the 
campaign of the English against 
militant Arabs in 1917. Outside of 
the bleak desert, the only other, 
phange of scene throughout the pic 
ture's length is the oasis which a 
patrol, lost after the commanding 
officer has been killed, discovers. It 
is here where one by. one the men 
either die or are bumped off by 
Arabs, until Victor. McLaglen is the 
last, and relief arrives. 

In the direction, performances and 
dialog the harrowing plight of the 
little patrol is accentuated for dra- 
matic effect and sympathetic inter- 
est. Although the running time is 
long, 74 minuted, there's nothing 
draggy about 'Lost Patrol.' '■ 

Victor . McLaglen, \ the sergeant 
who inherits; command of the patrol, 
turns in a good job in the kind of a 
part that's particularly suited to 
this actor. As a Bible nut, Boris 
Karloff iis on a somewhat different 
assignment. He gives a fine account 
of himself. Wallace Ford and RegU 
nald Denny aire also excellent 

Char. 



. Mild, flicker. At best it's an in- 
troducer for Lanny Ross as a 
screen personality, but. the Ruggles- ' 
Boland team will have to sustai 
the marquee end, ..such as it Is. The 
basic story* hasn't sufficient body 
otherwise* for in the main it's a far- 
fetched, somewhat boresome and 
generally airy little picture. Psy- 
chologically the fluttery central ro- 
mance theme coincides, with the 
silly spring season. 

Ross is the Maxwell Show Boat 
tenor who is not unknown to the 
ether fans nationally in view of^the 
radio hour's Thursday night popu- 
larity. . This is the element which 
figured in Par testing and contract^ 
ing him. Of obvious audible appeal, 
he screens well and . augurs some 
cinematic histrionic .ability as soon 
as he loses his camera tenseness.. 
He sings three songs -In. nice style 
and voice— the title number, 'Open 
Road,' and 'Ending; with a. Kiss.' ' 

Ross plays himself, an ambitious 
radio singer. Ann Sothern . is the, 
sponsor's daughter; Ruggles and 
Miss Boland her - parents; George 
Meeker the fiance who is shuttled 
with Ross* advent. 

Action . moves from the U.S. to 
an idyllic Swiss background. This 
is weil done in a pastoral motif 
which permits Director . McLeod to 
do an Ernst Lttbitsch with the sing- 
ing' peasants in the field a la 'Monte 
Carlo.' . It's an effective develop- 
ment of the glocken-f milking, scene. 

Story is: stodgy in the main, its 
comedy revolving about Ruggles* 
kleptomania for souvenirs. He's a 
trophy-hound and some business 
with a bedpost knob and one of the 
Swiss glocken is made much of fo 
mild laff . returns. In the main the 
trouping must Sustain the meagre- 
uess of plot material, 

Herman Bing as the Innkeeper, 
Helen. Lynd in a bedroom bit the! 
three Gale girls and Ann Sothern 
are effective in support along with 
the principal trio. Technic okay 
but production oh the whole a tepid 
affair. Will need strong stage sup- 
port in the big keys and general 
selling in the subsequentB. . 



NIGHT CLUB QUEEN 

(BRITISH MADE) 

Universal-Twickenham production, re- 
leased through Universal. . Directed by Ber- 
nard Vorhaus. In cast: Mary Clare, Lewis 
Casson and others. Previewed, Prince Ed- 
ward theatre; London, March 22. Running 
time, 80 mlns. 



Story is replete with pathos. 
Which is certain to have a strong 
appeal for the proletariat As 
such, 'The Night Club Queen' will 
be sure to prove interesting and ab- 
sorbing entertainment in the seer 
ond-grade houses in the U. S. 

Pity such admirable direction and 
i3^je rb_ casting shpuld _bc^ 

so banal a story, . Photoffraphy^to'oT 
leaves much to be desired. 

Woman, whose husband is 
crippled in a railway: accident, runs 
a night club to educate her only 
child, a son. Murder is committed 
in the joint; tho proprietress is on 
trial for her life; crippled husband, 
who was a barrister before the aci 
cldent, is wheeled in, and makes a 
speech for the defense in the form 
of a flashback, and the picture ends' 
with the case in the hands of the 
Jury, and no verdict rendered. 

Jolo. 



BROKEN SHOES 

(RUSSIAN MADE) 

Mcjrabpom production and' Amklno re- 
lease. Directed by Margarita Barskaya; 
camera, Q. Bobrov and S. Govorkian; mu- 
sical accompaniment, and score.-. D. S. 
Block and V. J. Shelablnj •Englleh titles, 
Alexander Bakshy. At Cameo, N. T,. Week 
March 20. Running time,. 75 mlns, 

. A perfect example of the impor-r 
tance of time in this beritury. Pic- 
ture was made barely a . year ago* 
very timely-— but dated by history 
today. And being" a discussion ' of 
'current events/ a year late is as 
good as a complete miss. 

Film Is none too expertly made, 
but has a lot. of strength and might 
have meant something. It's laid In 
Germany, just before the .Hitler 
ascendancy. Hunger, and want are 
rampant and the men are on strike. 
The children want to help. In 
school the kids are divided; some 
are communists, some . are Nazis, 
with the latter In official faVor, 
They argue and fight about it, but 
the communistic minded kids win 
out and go to the help of their fa- 
thers and. brothers. They harass 
strike-breakers \t\ the streets and 
in other ways try to break the eco- 
nomic deadlock. Comes a big pa- 
rade of unemployed and the school 
kids head . the march. Nazi police 
try to stop it, shoot down a couple 
of youngsters, but : the hungry mob 
breaks .through anil marches' on to 
Victory. 

That's a. swell sour-taste finish 
to anyone knowing what . actually 
occurred. Most of It Is acted by 
school kicls In their 'teens and the 
youngsters chosen are a. pretty good 
lot. Thev are self-conscious a 
good deal of the. time,, but by and. 
large they turn in highly credible 
performances. 

An In adequate and incomplete set 
of English titles doesn't help much, 
but the action la so simple it 
doesn't need any explanation; 

Kauf. 

Countess of Monte Cristo 

• Universal production and release; re- 
shot from a German film with same title.. 
Directed by Karl Freund. Features Fay ; 
-WrTy^snd^Paul^Lukasr^Story^by-Walter^ 
Flelsch and Karen de Wolf, redlalogs.by 
Gladys UriKer: photography, Charles Sto- 
ma r. At Roxy. N; T., week March 30. 
Running time, 80 mlns, 

Janet . . , • • • • ?*Y Wj-ay 

Rumowskl Paul I^ukas 

The Baron ...... • ..<••• Reginald Owen 

MIml . . , .Patsy Kelly 

Stefan . . Paul Page 

Flower Girl Cannel Myers 

Hotel Manager — .Robert McWade 

Director • .Richard Tucker . 

Hotel Valet Bobby Watson 

With a bit more care in casting, 
this one could have been a beauty 
(Continued on page 27) 



18 



VARIETY 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 





AT BOTH ENDS OF THE CONTINENT 




. . MUSIC HALL 
again swamped by business that be- 
gan heavily on Holy Thursday, grew 
on Good Friday and finished first five 
days with 100,000 ADMISSIONS!.. 

SAN FRANCISCO., at 

GOLDEN GATE . . . opened to 207 
MORE ADMISSIONS than "Little! 
Women". . maintainin g heavy 
pace into furious 
second week! 



MEN, WOMEN AND 
CHILDREN JUSTIFY 
THE BOAST THAT 
* l WILD CARGO" 
IS THE YEAR'S 

EXPLOITATION 
NATURAL! 



X 





■<-\ 



V 





Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



p a c ¥ 



E * 



VXRJETY- 



19 




Change Face 

Metro is ottering: free 3 -sheets on 
which patron's may send congratu- 
lations to Norma Shearer on her 
return to the screen. . It'& a good 
one were it hot that the same com- 
pany used practically the same idea 
for a Marie T>ressler birthday 
greeting a short time ago. Too 
close for a draw repeat, but the 
idea is there if presented in another 
form. Here's one suggestion for a 
change. 

Get up a nice looking book, either 
an autograph album of large size 
or a. book of good paper with blank 
pages. Have your sigh writer letter 
a neat greeting to the star indicat- 
ing that the signatures are those of 
the patrons of the Blank theatre. 
Set this on a table in the foyer, 
where 1$ will be out of way, supply 
it with' 'a shaded, lamp, a bottle of 
ink, some blotters and a chair. If 
possible have someone in attend- 
ance. 

And fix it so no one can spill 
the ink and spoil the book. That's 
important. 

Most newspapers will carry a. 
story for you, and you can supple- 
ment this with a large announce- 
ment in the lobby, calling on all 
loyal Shearer fans to see the pic-r 
ture. Whoop it up for loyalty and 
a lot will buy in Just to sign. 

Then send the book to Miss 
Shearer. There will be some, sort 
of acknowledgment, whioh should 
be posted after the newspapers 
have seen. it. 

Incidentally Jim McGeechey pulled 
this stunt around 189&, only he sent 
his album to Queen "Victoria. 

Use the Saw 

Not long ago. an exhib complained 
that a company was sending out 
cula in the press b ook which were 
too deep. The samples he sent,, were 
mostly single column with, a lot of 
sales talk below the head or bust. 
Some of it he didn't like, so he 
didn't use it. He could have sent 
it over to the printing office to be 
cast up and then sawed into uneven 
halves, but he war ai comparative 
newcomer, and in spite of all that 
has been said in press books about 
cutting them down, , he didn't seem 
to have the idea. 

It's the simplest thing in the 
world. If an office can cast a cut 
it can saw pne. All that's required 
is a hack saw if there is not one 
run by power, with a smooth file to 
break the rough edges. 

Back in the old days managers 
used to work two £.nd even three 
cuts into a new combination and 
achieve a result that exactly suited 
that town. One western man once 
Sent in a proof in which a cut with 
a circular frame had been cut to 
remove a head with a new one Cast 
and cut to so exactly fill the space 
it was difficult to realize that the 
'original had been remade. 

Plenty of managers are overboard 
©n cut work just because they do 
•not know. It would pay to have a 
talk with the foreman, first slipping 
him a pass. He can tell a lot. 

Home Made Plash 

Where button flashers will not 
turn the. trick and. the cost of. a 
mechanical flash is too great, a 
home-made device used by a small 
town man may be substituted if care 
is taken to properly insulate the 
parts. 

The essential part of the idea Is 
a wheel on an old fan motor, an 
idler pulley and a belt of . insulating 
tape running on the two wheels. At 
one point the circuit wire was 
Drought in on spring contacts, one 
above the other, but with the. belt 
running between. This belt was 
studded with copper rivets of a 
diameter almost the width of the 
belt. 

When these studs passed between 
the two contact points, a circuit was 
made, to be broken by the insulating 
tape in between. The spacing of 
the studs and the speed of the 
wheels determined the interval of 
flash, which could be varied at wlM. 
•Different belts can be used to pro- 
vide a variety of intervals, and some 
effective results may be achieved 
with little trouble and cost. 

It is a variant of the phonograph 
turntable idea, printed some time 
ago, and seems to be more simple. 
Proper tension can be maintained 
by placing the idler pulley in a slot 
and Using a weight to keep on the 
pressure. 

Realistic Fodder 

Hollywood. . 
For tin- revival of Universale 'All 
Quiet on the Western Front' at the 
Pantagos here, loud speakers out- 
side broadcast the sound track. 
---There-Is notlvmg" 'fie' w Iit til Itt jrtu ntr 
but for 'All Quiet' the sounds of 
screaming shells, rifle and cannon 
fire had a weird effect on the street. 

Hollywood boulevard passers-by 
stopii"d to listen, many looking up 
in tli'-. a! - thinking th" pound came 
from plants. 



Cleveland Flower Show 

Bather lai'ge .lobby of the State, 
Cleveland, was made Into a garden 
display over Easter, connecting with 
similar but larger show at the 
Builders' Exchange," This was given 
by the Electric League and H. M. 
Addison hooked them In to his own 
show, along with a local florist. 

It's not the first time the. State 
has been turned into a garden, for 
Addison used the idea on almost as 
large a scale a year or two ago. 
Then the hook was merely to the 
nursery. This time it was to sell 
garden .fixings, plants and, of 
course, theatre tickets. 

Some of the exhibits of plants 
•rated, at. around $150 each. The 
garden was laid out in formal.. beds 
down the - center of the lobby, with 
a syn dial, reflecting ball and all 
of the dinguses bang-up gardens 
are supposed to sport. There was 
plenty of space on the outside of 
the garden for ingress and egress. 
The space taken was that used for 
holdouts in those happy days when 
there were such things: 

It was the most elaborate display 
the State has ever shown, and 
women raved over it. 



Mystery Stuff 

One novelty sign that is pretty 
certain to get attention is based on 
the old shadowgraph idea. It's a 
little trouble to make, but it can be 
trotted out every few months, by 
changing it around to different 
spots. 

The effect is a black and white 
sign on a translucent surface which 
grows larger or smaller as it goes 
out or into focus. Puzzling to most 
persons, so it will stop them in their 
tracks. 

It's done on the principle that the 
closer an object is to a screen the 
smaller and sharper the outline. The 
screen can be sign paper, tracing 
cloth or ground glass. Back of this 
is a track in which run's, backward 
and forward, a frame carrying a 
sign lettered on clear glass. Still 
further back Is a single bulb of rea 
sonably large wattage." The bulb 
causes the lettering 1 on the glass to 
cast a shadow on the screen. When 
it is close to the screen, the shadow 
Is sharp and distinct. As it is moved 
back the letters grow larger and less 
distinct. 

Only movable part is the carriage, 
which moves along a track and a 
shaft attached to a wheel parallel to 
the floor.' The arm is pjaced from 
three .to Ave inches from the center 
of the wheel, which will give 
travel movement of double its dis- 
tance from the hub, so that the glass 
plate alternately approaches and re 
treats from the screen. It's a simple 
mechanism, but highly effective. If 
your sign man is handy with tools 
he can build this some off afternoon 



lifting Fane Curse 

Not easy to sell 'Miss Fane's 
Baby,' but Edgar Hart, of the RKO 
Majestic, Columbus, O., walked 
away with it, and made them want 
to come. 

He had a still frame down the 
cellar because it did not meet his 
ordinary needs. It had mat open- 
ings for seven large and six small 
prints. He dug out a dozen baby 
pictures, promoted from the staff, 
commencing with his own kiddies, 
and placed these in the frame, each 
with a name-label carrying a ficti- 
tious name, with the central panel 
lettered, r^here are these dear 
babies now? As mothers what would 
you do were your child kidnapped?' 
At the top of the frame was the 
single word "Kidnapped/ 

Not one of the youngsters had 
been snatched and the names were 
wholly imaginary, but the crowd 
stood in front of the frame all day 
long, and tried to recall these 
famous cases. They wouldn't, natu- 
rally, which made it all the more 
interesting. 

Hart writes it was a -temptation 
hard to resist to avoid the Lind- 
bergh picture, but he realized that 
while it would capitalize the most 
famous snatch in history, it would 
probably create a bad impression, 
so all his juveniles were local 
product; 

He adds he prepared his Easter 
rooster, as usual. This stunt he 
has. used for the past eight years 
and always with success. It's a 
rooster in a cage over the boxofflce, 
with a card stating he is crowing 
over - the Easter program. . The girl 
friend in another cage, hidden from 
view, is what keeps him crowing. 



One Piecers 

Pretty nearly all of the phares of 
cooking school have been used, and 
with profit, but there is cno angle an 
exhib is going to play up for a 
summer run. Last year he took in 
some extra and nc?ded coin on ice 
box, recipes and figures he can't re- 
peat, so this year, starting in June, 
he has arranged for a weekly series 
on onerpiece meals. 

One piece mr ■".:> work in with the 
old vaudeville stage— 'and a cup of 
coffee'. They are dinners all cooked 
together in a single pot and are sup- 
posed to form a balanced meal. Gen- 
erally they can be started with little 
trouble and finished while the head 
of the house sits in the cool front 
room and listens to the x-adio. 

Exhib plans to demonstrate one 
meal each week and give the recipes 
for the other five, the idea being 
that Sunday calls for a big dinner 01 
an auto trip. He has garnered ideas 
from the newspaper culinary depart- 
ments and the women's magazines 
and figures he can keep it up until 
school opens. 

Every woman is interested . in 
labor-saving ideas, but very few 
seem to go for the one-plecers the 
way they should. Big argument will 
be that one-piece meals gives, them 
more time for the matinees. 



Volunteer Warbler 

Toronto, April 2. 
Girls who think they can sing 
are being given the opportunity of 
displaying their yocal wares in a 
unique songster contest staged by 
the Imperial management and 
Benny Davis, who headlines next 
week. Idea is for the dollies to 
write a 30-word letter telling how 
they can sing and what they prefer 
doing. Professionals are barred. 

.Davis will audition as many as 
possible during the morning and 
allow three to sing- from the stage 
over mikes during the night show's. 
The winner is determined on audi- 
ence-response. 

On the closing night of the en- 
gagement, the five winners stage an 
elimination contest, the survivor 
to be given a week's engage 
ment at $60 at the Imperial the fol 
lowing week. 



Parading the Jungle 

RKO publicity is preparing a float 
for 'Wild Cargo' which will peram- 
bulate New York for two weeks and 
then be pushed out on the road 
Gag will be loaned to nearby houses 
after It has served its purpose in 
New York. 

Going to be a flossy affair with 19 
animals, each motorized by Mess- 
more & Damon on the lines of thai 
concern's Chicago exhibit. Figure 
of Frank Buck will also be motor 
ized. Effect is that of a steamer 
with its cargo of beasts, and there'll 
be a smoke pot for tlie steamer's 
funnel, just to help along. Will 
carry jungle phonograph disc which 
has been .made up from the sound 
track and guaranteed to. thrill and 
chill. 

The device cannot reach many 
houses tot the early runs, but there 
is nothing to prevent a home-made 
ship with cutout animals. 

Here's • one the Slsk-McCormlck 
outfit overlooked. If there is a va 
cant store, fit It up as a store shotf, 
with cutouts back of stout iron bars 
made of old broomsticks painted 
black. Cover the windows to darken 
the store. Light the interior with 
red lights and install a barker or a 
nice looking girl to tell about the 
exhibits and hook them into .the pic- 
ture. Not expensive to do right, and 
it will pack a kick. 



Bookmarks for 'Earth' 

jack Pollock, of the otr.nley- 
Warner theatre!.', uxed the book 
marker for 'As the Karth Turns,' 
with the usual credit to the local 
public library, but used 'book list 
distributed by courtesy of the Boyd 
theater' instead of the usual credit 
to the library. Took the markers 
to the lending libraries. 

List appears to have been taken 
from the press, book. Probably .all 
right for Philadelphia, but in a 
smaller town where this, or any 
other list is used, be sure to check 
up with the local library to make 
certain that all of the books on the 
list are in the library's catalog. It 
does not pay to create a demand 
for books not obtainable. Puts the 
library on a spot 3nd does the 
house less good with irritated 
patrons. 

Stunts are only good when they 
work properly. The library will co- 
operate to move books, but it must 
have the books to move or the ad- 
vantage is replaced by irritation. 

And it's a good gag, from the 
library angle, to move hon-flctlon 
as well as novels. The fiction list 
usuallv cares for Itself. What the 
library appreciates is a chance to 
mdve the heavier stuff, for those 
who give support to the libraries 
are apt to judge by the non-fic- 
tional movement. Often a catering 
to that angle will get cooperation 
where the library might not come 
in o.n straight Action. 



Don't Crowd 

Manager who complained he 
couldn't get anything Into the news- 
papers was put on the witness 
bench by a visting film salesman 
who knew things. He was sure it 
was not his fault. He sent over 
stuff every day, sometimes 10. to 16 
stories; and all good. The editor 
used practically none of them. The 
other house got a lot more stuff 
It must be the brands of pictures he 
played, which was why he confided 
In the salesman. 

The latter pointed out that per- 
haps the exhib was choking the 
editor to death with copy. He. sug- 
gested that the exhib take over not 
more than two or three stories at a 
time, and those only the best. He 
even urged that the dally trip be 
discontinued. Since nothing else 
seemed to work, the exhibt followed 
the advice, and in a week or two he 
was even up with the opposition. 
Sometimes he got more. 

Editors are busy men. They have 
no time to wade through a lot of 
copy that contains no news. They 
may look at one or. two stories, but 
when they get half a pound of pub- 
licity in a batch it all goes into the 
basket. Better for the exhibitor to 
turn in two stories, one of which 
may be used, than to hand Out 15 
stories not one of which will be 
read. 

If your own editor seems to be 
suffering from mental Indigestion, 
put him on a diet for a while, and 
See how that works. 



BEHIND the KEYS 



Beer for Paree 

Rob Rosen, of the Loew Orpheum, 
has - th ree ..tables ..under, the, marquee, 
to suggest the sidewalk cafes of 
that dear France. It's an advance 
for 'Moulin Rouge,' which goes in 
today. Anyone who wants to sit at 
a table and order a book will get it 
free, but they have to help the bal- 
lyh oo by Sitting- ■ there- - Tintlr -it's 
sipped. No information on encores, 
but probably it's the usual 'only one 
to a customer.' 

Getting plenty or attention, 
though the stunt was slapped by .a 
snowstorm Sat unl- «\ Maybe that's 
j whj it :.)i'i',v"(l, 



Albany. 

Ed Sullivan of Albany has taken 
over the Regent, films, from Louis 
Capra, who operates the New Re- 
gent, films, at Cohoes. 

Warner Bros' theatre and ex- 
change employes had a dance in the 
Warner clubrooms in the Albany 
Theatre building. 

Earl Brennan has disposed of the 
Clayville Theatre at Clayville to the 
school district, which will have the 
building remodeled and use it as a 
garage for School buses. 

The safe in the Capitol Theatre at 
Illon was forced open and $450, two 
days' receipts, were stolen. 

Wheeling, W. Va. 

Tony Stern and Irvin Oschenbein 
have been moved to the Court Thea- 
tre as manager and- assistant, re- 
spectively. They formerly served 
in the same capacity at the Liberty. 
George Bronson, who was a member 
of the Court, has been made man- 
ager of a Warner Bros, theatre In. 
Hartford, Conn. 

Francis X. Linn, assistant man- 
ager of the Capitol Theatre, has 
been promoted to manager of the 
Liberty Theatre. He will be assisted 
by Russell Richards, who is being 
transferred from the Court to the 
Liberty Theatre. 



Got Sigma Chis 

Omaha, Neb. 
An unusual opportunity was 
cashed in on by Louise Cotter, at 
the Brandels theater. So happens 
that a sorority at Muny U. calls 
Itself Sigma Chi Omicron, a local, 
artd Miss Cotter invited actives* 
pledges and alums to a Monday 
night show, one half, of which was 
'Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.' Merely 
one of those courtesy gestures, but 
some ninety gals attended and the 
event was noted in both society and 
movie columns. 



opens this, week as the State House 
Has been completely reconditioned 

.J. A. Grlbbe and N. A. Notopoulos, 
operators of several theatres In 
western Pennsylvania, have taken 
over State theatre at Bellwood, Pa., 
operated for the past several years 
by L. C. Menchlo. 

New Princess, Donora, Pa., has 
been opened under the management 
of T. R. Shanahan. H. H. Llpman 
sound equipment has been installed 
and theatre equipment was pur- 
chased from Superior Supply, Na- 
tional and A. and S. Steinberg. 

Rex, at Alliance, O., formerly the 
Ideal, has been reconditioned -and 
reopened by W. J. Cuthbert. 



Splashing 24*8 

Lincoln. 

A nightmare in sheets is going on 
here. Last week, the first use of a 
72-sheetlng of billboards was used 
In this territory on 'David Harum' 
and now comes every 24 -sheet Up 
for 'Wonder Bar' going on upside 
down. The "Harum' billings accom- 
plished by using trios of billboards 
in key places about town was about 
the biggest flash ad ever seen by 
local citizenry. 

Another was with 'Christina' when 
a 24-sheet was pasted to a down- 
town sidewalk and resulted in a 
complaint being filed against the 
LTC for defacing public property, or 
something. Next week 'Riptide* 
gets 24-sheets flittered with silver 
metallic which will keep the art 
shop busy. E. A. 'Pat' Patchen, ex- 
ploiteer, is the guy who's cudgeling 
his cranium into such activities. 



Wheeling, W. Va. 
Projection, booth and equipment 
in the State theatre were destroyed 
by a recent fire which swept the 
booth and also ruined a print . on 
'Ann Vlckers' and other films dur- 
ing a showing. Jim Velas, operator 
of the theatre, Is remodeling and 
Installing new equipment for an 
early reopening. 



Los Angeles. 

Principal is again operating its 
President (downtown) with second 
run duals, after house had been 
leased for four weeks for a couple 
of scxers. 

R. J. Cadman out as city sales- 
man for National Screen service In 
an economy move. •' ' 



Belmont, Vi. 
B. C. Crowson now operating ih' 
Town Hall as film theatre. 



.„ „ Rutland^ - 

Strand theatre is now used only 
for legitimate attractions. 



Pasadena. 
Picture house owners and man- 
agers here have organized for first 
time with Terry McDaniel, of the 
F-WC United Artists as president; 
George ITanes Park, secretary- 
treasurer; Ralph T. Merriam, at- 
torney. 



Canton, O. 
Old Lyceum here, dark several 
years", acquired recently by Young 
an ''•Inharl, local exhlliiiors, re- 



Morris Gluck, special film sales- 
man for Paramount in its New 
York-New Jersey exchanges, ap- 
pointed ad sah^smanajrer over these 
territories, succeeding Clay ton Heh- 
drickson following latter's shift to 
the home 'office accessories depart- 
ment. James Diller promoted in 
charge of department at Cincinnati 
exchange, replacing Eugene Fo- 
H»;iv(y, resigned; 

Minneapolis. 
General move to boost admission 
prices here. Two City exhibits have 
induced more than 3 5 outlying 
fCnniinued on page #52 » 



Quick Thinking 

Exhib saw a demonstration of a 
new gelatine dessert in a large gro- 
cery, the demonstration table being 
placed near the main entrance, 
where It would get the most atten- 
tion. He craved to share the spot. 

He bought a couple of packages 
of the lemon flavor, went home, cut 
out a block of wood to fit the bot- 
tom of a mould and on It he built 
a scene with a couple of toy autos 
from the dime store, a few twigs for 
a fence, some green dust layer for 
the grass, and a sign for an auto 
play, done in waterproof color. Ho 
made up the jelly, thrust the scene 
down into the mould when the goo 
was nearly set, put It in the ice box 
for a while and then took It over to 
the demonstrator. 

She was smart enough to see the 
value of the attractor, and for the 
remainder of the three-day demon- 
stration he had a choice location for 
30c and a littlb work. It made such 
a hit that a nearby restaurant got 
one for a week for a window dlsr 
plav, with a change in the picture 
advertised and dolls instead of toy 
cars. 

Just a one-timer, but it works 
that once. 



Very 'Wild Cargo* 

Washington. 
Hardle Meakln, manager "of local 
RKO house, ran Into trouble with 
planned street bally on 'Wild Cargo 1 
last week, but he recouped with a 
Wng'ea'nc<Tr'''-'TrnPklnad""Of--meehani-- 
cal anl ala arrived about midnight' 
last Wednesday only to be met with 
police order that' it couldn't tour 
town. Result was that it was 
shunted onto a parking lot with 
provino that, if holiday tourists be- 
came too thick it couldn't even stay 
there. 

Mr akin got mad and followed up 
by getting into the grounds of the 
\\'hltc Mouse itself for the annual 
Kaster vau rolling fesllval today 
(2). 



20 



VARttTY 



Tneeday, April 3, 1934 




Director: Hamilton MacFadden. Lyrics: Lew Brown. 
Music: Lew Brown and Joy Goraey. Dances staged 
by Sommy Lee, Dialogue* : Rolph Spence* Story 
idea suggested by Will Rogers and Philip Klein. 



MITCHELL & DURANT 
SKINS" MILLER 

and STEPIN FETCHIT 

Produced by WIN FIELD SHEEHAN 
Associate Producer and Collaborator 
on Story and Dialogue: LEW BROWN 



iff 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



VARIETY 



"VARIETY DAILY'S" 
THRILL-BY-THRILL 
BROADCAST . . . 

"WINNIE SHEEHAN AND LEW BROWN HAVE 
clicked with a spectacular musical Uncovers tiny Shirley 
Temple as the best child performer Hollywood has turned 
out in a long time . . . 



«SHOW PRETTY THOR- 
oughly copped by the Tcthplc 
youngster, Stepin Fetchit and Nick 
Foran, whose song deliveries are 
punchy entertainment « • • 

"SYLVIA FROOS CLICKS IN 
'Broadway's Gone Hill Billy' in 
which Skins Miller is also a big 
hit . ♦ • 

"AUNT JEMIMA DOES THE 
opening number Tm Laughing' 
that is a socko and gets the film 
off to a fast pace • . • 

"MITCHELL AND DURANT 
have a howl sequence doing their 
stage routine as deadpan acrobatic 
ambassadors . « • 

« J AMES DUNN WORKS WITH 
Shirley Temple, John Boles does a 



sweet tune 'Our Last Night To- 
gether,' which looks like a real 
song hit • . • 

"WARNER BAXTER AND 
Madge Evans split the two leading 
straight roles • * . both do justice 
to difficult parts • 



"STORY AND DIALOGUE 
are clean with not a blue line or 
situation present • • - 

"SHOW NUMBERS ARE ALL 
smash calibre, with dance routines 
by Sammy Lee extraordinarily 
good 

"HAMILTON MacFADDEN'S 
direction is meritorious* Costumes, 
scenery and camera work are plenty 
smart." 





THERE'S GLORY ENOUGH FOR ALL ! ! ! 



22 



VARIETY 



P I C T 



E S 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



Comparative Grosses for March 



WASHINGTON 



Continued from page 10) 

PHILADELPHIA 





.. Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


EARLE 

(2,000.; 40-SorOo) 

igh. $33,000 
10,500 


Search for 
Beauty 

$16,000* • 
(Belle Baker 
. on stage) 
. (Vaude) 


Hip6, Hooray 
$15,500 


Six of Kind 

$15,000 
(Sophie 
Tucker on 
stage) 


More 
Women 

$15,000 


FOX 

(3.000; 30-40-00) 

High. $41,000 
Low.. 10,500 


Coming Out 

$16,600 
(Will 
Mahoney on 

stage) 
(Stage Show) 


Devil Tiger 
$19,000 


Harum 

, $21,000 
(Paradise 
Revue on 
stage) 


Harum 

$16,000 . 
(2d week) 


STANLEY 

-OrtOO',— 40-5-Xh>) 
High; $48,000 
Low. . 3.750 


It Happened 

$14,500 ' 


Happened 

$9,000 . 
(2d week, 5 
_■. days). 


Wonder Bar 

$25,000 


Bar 
$12,000 
(2d week) . 


BOSTON 




Mai*. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


KEITH'S 

(4,000; 20-85-50), 

High. $43,003 
Low. . 4,000 


It Happened 

- $15,000 


Happened 

$16,600 
.. (2d week) 
(Murder Sus- 

pec(s on 
" ■ stage) 


Happened 

$13,500 
(3d week) 


Harum 
$12,000 


ORPHEUM 

(3,000; 80-40-.50) 

High: $23,000 
Low.. 4,000 


Moulin Rouge 
$12,600 
(Vaude) 


Cat and 
Fiddle 

$13,600 


- Nana. 

>' 416.600; 


Mr. X 

$12,500 


METRO- 
POLITAN 

-(4,330; 80-50-03) 

High. $69,000 
Low.. 12£00 


Bolero 

$2T;500 
(New'P.rices) 
(Stage-Sh<m) 

(Miriatai, , . 
Hopkins- : 
on stage) 


Mandalay 

$29,600 
(Will 
. Mahoney 
on stage) 


Death. Takes 
$22,000 


Scandals 

$30,500 


BUFFALO 




f :• '■■ Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


[ Mar. 22 


Mar. .29 


BUFFALO 

(3,000 ; 80-4«t55> : 

High. $42jpQ0 
Low.. - 9,000 


. ChKstjn* 

{Stage Show) 


' Bolero 

114,000 


Death Takes 

$16,500 


Nana 

$16,000 


centurV 

(3.400 ; '25) 

High. $21,000 
Low.. ;3£00 

"-. K 


Your "Number 

« and , 
Cradle Sbno 

:$6,000- - 


Hold That 
- Girl 
and 
Women In 
His Life 
$5:500.. 


Ace of Aces 
and - 
Orient 
Express 

00t'9$ 


' Mr. X 
and 
Frontier 
Marshall 

$6,000 


HIPPO- ■•' . 
DROME 

(2,400; 25-85) 

High. $22,000 
L-w. . 3.600 


Hazard 

. 8ojls of ' 
"Desert 

16.300' 


Meanest , Gal 

•and- 
Girls in Boat 

, Ifc&Ov ' 

... ■ **•» 


• Double Life 

: fciid. * 
Side • of 
Heaven. 

$5,500 


More Women 

and 
Was A Spy 

$5V200 ' 





MICHH 
GAN 

(4.040; 15-23*35 
40-56); •'. 

High. $58,100. 
Low..- $6.600 



FOX ••- 

(5,100; - IS-'SS-SO- 
40-55) V 

High. $50,000 
Low.. 4,000 



FISHER 

(2.750; 15-25-83- 
40) 

High. $29,000 
Low. . 3,000 



, MMK J8 



; Good Dahie 

; . $17^00 - .. 



^Happened 

v $30,000 ' • 
(Stage Show) 



Six of Kind 
$5,000 



Mar. 15 



(Blackbirds, 
wi stagey : 



V 'Warviitt.' 1 ':-' 
^ $30;0lW) ; : 
(New'Torkers' 
■ on .stage)' 



Side of 
Heaven - 

$5.000 . 



Mar. 22 



Bolero: 

$2>,0PO- 



Believed in 
• You 

4?a;ooo. 

(Morton 
' Downey; 
: .on stage) •■ 



Mandalay 

$6,006;' 



Mai*. 29: 



Death. Takes. 

-$l7-,600 



Spitfire 

$23,000 
(G> V, Follies 
on stage) 





Mar. 8 


Mar. 16 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


EARLE 

(2A24 - 25.35-40- 

- eo) 
High. $27,000 
Low.. 6,000 


Bolero 

tin Ron 

(Vaude) 


9th Guest 

11 fi 000 

f4. n iVvV 


Journal of 

ii, v 

$13,000 
(SmghV Sain 
- on stage) 


FaJI in Love 

112.500 


FOX'. • 
(3,484,> . 25-35-00) 

High. $41,500 
Low.. 11,000 


thrift onrl 
w^lk una 

Fiddle 

$25,000 
(Vaude) 
(Ramon 
Novarro 
on stage) 


fin «• n im •' 
$20,000 
('Artists and 
Models' on 
stage) 


waallaht Ladv 

$29,000 


. Mr. X 

$22,000 


KEITH'S. 

(1,830; 26-85-00) 

High. $21,000 
Low.. 3,700 


- It Happened 
$14,600 


Happened 

$12,500 
(2d week) 


Happened 

. $11,000 
(3d week) 


Happened 

$8,000 
(4th week) 


PALACE 

(2,868; 25-35-60) 
High. $32,000 
Low. . 6,000 


Christina 

$12,000 
(2d week) 


Carolina 

$18,000 


All of Me 

$12,000 


Harum 

$18,000 


COLUMBIA 

a. 263; 25-85-40) 

High. $19,000 
Low.. t;100 


Lone Cowboy 

$4,600 
(New prices) 


Sleepers East 

$3,000 


Christina 

$6,600 
. (Return) 


Carolina 

$5,000 


DENVER 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar; 29 


DENHAM 

(1,600; 26-35-40) 

High. $16,000 
Low.. 2,000 


Good Dame • 
$9,000 
(Sta*e Show} , 

(Henry: 

•Saiitrey ..." 
•" on stagey 


Bolero. 
$7,000 


More Women 

$4,000:.? 


Death Takes 

$>;006 : 
ftayia) 


DENVER. 

(2,600; 25-36-50) 

High. $27,700 
Low.. 3.000 


Moulin Rouge 
$7,600 . 


Nana 

^>|8,600 


.•'Harum 1 
$9,000 


'Scandals 
... $7,000 


ORPHEUM 

(2,6001 25-36-60) 

High. $20,000 
Low.w 3,750 


Side, of 
Heaven 

$11,000 
(New 1 - prices) 
(Stage Show) 


It Happened 

$15,000 •? 


Cat and 

Ffddle 
$12,000 


..Jimmy the 
.Gent : 
$10,000 


PARA- 
MOUNT 

(2,000; 25-40) 

High. $22,000 
Low.. 1,750 


Easy to Love 
and 
Sons of 
Desert 

$2,600 


Massacre 

and 
Sons of 
Desert 

$3,500 
(Spllt- 
2d we>k) 


• " Massacre 

*Jid - 
Buy 
; Eyerythi 
$2,000 

(Split*. ..:■' 

r .2d^nyeekT " 


Devil Tiger 

o find - 
Like It That 

$2,600. 


CINCINNATI 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 16- . 


Mdr. 22 .: . 


.'. Mar. 29 


ALBEE 

(8,800; 35-44) 

High. $33,500 
Low.. 5.800 


Moulin Rouge 

$12,000 


Bolero 

$9,600 


Nana 

$11,000 


Spitfire 
$11,000 


PALACE 

(2,000; 86-44) 

High, $28,100 
Low.. 4,500 


It Happened. 

$12,000 


, Good Dame 

$7,500 


Harum 

$13;600 


8candals 

V3,ooo 


LYRIC . 

(1,304; 86-44) 

High. $23,900 
Low ; . • 2,900 


Without 
Room 

$4,000 


Palooka 

$8,600 ' 


- Showoff.. . 

.$'3,900 


Lazy River 

$4,200 


KEITH'S 

. (1,60Q| 30-40) 

High. $22,100 
Low.. 3^00 


- Mandalay 

$4,500 


Your Number 

$4,200, 


JoUrnalof 
Crime 

$3*6.00. 


Jimmy.the 
Gent 

$4,5;qo : . •: 



KANSAS CITY 



Nellie 

$6,000 



SAN FRANCISCO 





Mart 8. 


Mar. 15 


• ' Man 22 ; ■:, 


■ Mar. 29 


PARA- 
MOUNT 

(2,400 ^ 25-.35-40): 

High. $37,500 
Low.. 5i000' 


8ohs of ' 
Desert 

/: and 
.• ; Orient „• 
Express 
$12,000 


G6pd Dame 

■■'.and 
Your Number. 

-$ii,ooo 

>.^J<Split) 

[,,-,.■■ 


Mandalay ■ 

■ . .■;;■'a•n■d^.... '• . 
Coming Out 

• $tO;ooo ■ 


More .Women 

.'. and 
Side of 
Heaven 

$8,000 


GOLDEN 
GATE 

(2,844; 25-35-40) 

High. $22,500 
Low.. 5,400 


It Happened 

$19,000 
(Stage Show) 


-.■Happened 

• $14,500. a ■ 
(2d week); 


Happened 

$12,000 
. (3d week) 


Spitfire 
$15,600 


WARFIELD 

(2.700 ; 3-1-45-05) 

High. $57,400 
Low. . 8,200 


Christina 

$21,600 

(Stage. Show) 


Bolero 

$19,000 


Haruiifi 
..$19,000 ^ 


Death Ta^kes 

$lV,6(|Jfr. 

" ** • . " • t f 


PITTSBURGH 




:.>.'rMa>. 


Mar; 15 


Map. 22 . 


Mar. 29 


PENN 

(8,300; 25-40-55- 

00-75) 
High, $41,000 
Low.'. 3,750 


All: of M« 

$14,000 • : 

( 'Century of 
Progress^ oh 
- ' stage) 


Moulin Rouge 

V;. $10,000 


Six of Kind 

$38,260 
(Joe Pehiier 
stage) " 


Christina 

$13,000 


FULTON. 

(1,750; 15'26-40) 

High. $12,000 
Low.: 1.900 


Ladles 
Behave 

$1,100 

. (4 days): 


Sotisof 
Desert' 
.$8,700 
(9 days) 


Catherine 

$7,400 


Harum 
$8,600 


STANLEY 

(3,000; 25-36-50) 

High. $48,000 
Low.. 3,750 


Search for 
Beauty 

; $20,000 
(New prices) 
(Ben Bernie 

on stage) 


Wbndir Bar 
$20,000 


Bar 

$7,600 
(2d week) 

i 


Poor Rjch 

$31,000 
(Eddie Can- 
tor on stage) 


MINNEAPOLIS 


STATE 

(2,200; 25-33-40) 
High. $28,000 
Low.. 3,500 


— ' ni a r. o — 

Nellie 
$5,000 


Moiilin Rouge 

$5,600 


Palooka 

$13,000 
(Ted Lewis 
on. stage) 


Good Dame 

$6,000 


ORPHEUM 

"(2r800r-«5»35»40) 

High. $26,000 
Low.. 2.200 


Massacre 

$9,000- 

(New prices) 
('Cotton Club 

Rev" on fltagp) 


. It Happened 

— $-16^,000 


Hazard 

$13,600 
('Take a 

Chance' 
on. stage) 


Mandalay 
: - $3,000 


LYRIC 

(1,800; 20-26) 

High. $17,000 
Low.. 1.200 


Son of Sailor 
$3,00.0 


Fugitive 
Lovers 

$3,600 


Search for 
Beauty 

$1,000 
(5 days) 


Devil Tiger 

$2,300 





' Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22. - 


' Mar. 29 ^ ! 


MIDLAND 

(4,000; 26) . 

High; $35^)00 
Low.i - 5,100 


Moulin Rouge 
$16,000 


Mr. X 

$11,500 
(Clark Gable 
on stage, 
one hite) 


J - ' Nariq 
-:$12.00O 


Palooka;: . 
*6.600 

■ 


MAIN- 

•STREET 

(8,200; 25-40) 

High; $35,000 
Low . 3,700 


Hips. Hooray' 

$9^,000 
(9 days) 

i 


It Happened 

$18,000 


Hazard' 

$10,000... 
('Student , 
Princ6' pii 
stage) 


Mandajay - 

* and' . : . 
Meanest Gal - 

$?,8op;;. 


NEWMAN 

(1,800 ; 26) 

High. $33,000 
Low.. 4,000 


Candlelight 

' $8,000 
(New prices) 


Double Life 
and ■ 
Your- Number 
$7,500 


8ix of . Kind 

and . 
-Madame Spy 

$lo;ooo 


...Jimmy the' 
•■Gent.* 
aiid . 
Made. Her ■ 
' ' Bed .' 
$10,000 . . 


UPTOWN h 

(2,040; 26-40) 


Husbands Go 

$3,000 


Like lit That 
Way 

$2,500 


Harum-. . 
$8,800. 

..I* ■ * .* \ ■ 


' Harun* : .' ■',. :- 
. $6,000. ' 

1 (2d week) . • 


MONTREAL 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


" Mar.. 29 ^ . 


; PALACE 

(2.700;' 60) r 
High. $18,000 
Low... .6,500 


Carolina 
f ' and 
Jimmy and 
Sally 
$9,000 


Six of Kind 

-and. 1 ''- ; 
Search, for- 
..Beauty 
- $7,600 


Girl From 
Maxtm^s 

J '•' .-aftd..;-'. 
Side -.of. . 
Heaven 

- . vtm^--. 


Your NMlhb9f 

World: • . 
.. Changes ' •. 

. $7;oo>. ; ; 


CAPITOL 

■ ':H2,100; 60) ' 

High." $30,000 
Low.. 5,500 


;- ChrtstinaV' 
'$8^006 - v ;> 

" . " ■ 


Cat and 
Fiddle 

' $1Q,00% 


Esftrn>o - 

. .$11^0.0,..' 


"•.CatherJ' 

; y. 

; .. :. . '. 


yLQEW-'S 

;, - i(8v20O; 66) . 

Hig*h. : $18,000 
Low.. 5,500 


Suzanne. 

$10,000 

(Vaude) 


oFrightepiBd 
People' 
$10,000 


Ghoul - 
$9,600 


Husbands OSi'- 

" '$a^o.6pi ^ > 


PRINCESS 

4i»wo; so) 

High. $29,000 
Low,. 3,500 


Nana? 
. $7,000 " ' 
' (2d week) 


East 4 of 5th . 
'Avenue 
and 
Fall in Love 

, $7,000 ' 


It Happened 

and 
Shadows of 
Sing Sing 

$8,000 


Happened 

and- 
Shadows 

$6,000 . 
(2d week) 


PROVIDENCE 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar.' 22 ' 


Mar. 29 


STATE 

(8,200; 16-25-40) 

High. $29,000 
Low.. 2.500 


Cat and 
Fiddle 

10,300 

(vaude) . 


Mr. X. 

$18,000 


Nana. 
$14>000 


- Catherine 
$10,200 


MAJESTIC 

(£200; 15-26-40) 

H4gh. $17,500 

Low.-.-= -2 t 800 T 


Mandalay 
and 
.Since Eve 

,-$3,500 


Heat 
'Lightning 
and 
..Coming, Out.. 
' $4,500, 


Hazard 

and 
Beloved 

=^,'$4,60.0^^ 


Harum 

and 
Mad Age 

$6,000 — • • 


PARA- 
MOUNT 

(3,200; 15-25-40) 

High. $18,000 
Low,. 2,200 


Search for 
Beauty 
and 
Nora Moran.. 
$3,400 


Good Dame 

and 
Fathoms 
Deep 

. $4,500 


Six of Kind 

and 
Love Parade 

$4,000 


Bolero 
and 
Double Life 

$4,100 


ALBEE 

(2,600; 15-25-50) 

High. $20,000 
Low.. 2,500 


Lost Patrol 

and 
It Happened 

$9,400 
(New Prices) 


Poor Rich 

$8,100 
('Midnight 
Nights' on 

stage) 


Success Any 
Price 

$8,200 
('Passing 
Show' on 

stage) 


Sing and 
Like It 

$8,100 
('Artists and 
Models' on 

stace) 



Indies On Code 



(Continued on page 25) 



(Continued from page 7) 
800 shorts for house with three pro- 
gram changes a week and added he 
now has contracted for 976, whicH 
would take 2% years to use. 
O'Rellley Candy Kid 

Theatre Owners Chamber of Com- 
merce >was described as controlled 
by the Hays group by Leo Brecher 
of New Rochelle, who pointed out 
that Charles 6'Reiirey Installs can* 
dy- vending equipment in many af- 
filiated houses. 

Warner Brothers house In Dover, 
N. J„ could not possibly .use all 
features it has contracted for in 
order to stifle . competition, Edward 
Prieberger, indie operator, testified. 
Relating t'aat MOM, Universal and 
Warners' would not rent him' : Blm8 
under any conditions and that RKO, 
Columbia and United Artists de- 
manded 30 -day clearance for WB. 
tiousej Frieberger complained about 
distributors fixing admissions and 
discriminating on rentals. Com- 
petitiv^ conditions for indies are 
worse since. code, he added, because 
labor costs have skyrocketed and. 
admissions .-h{iy^ flopped. 

Infoigmatipn - ' about percentage 
deals "was provided by Bernard 
Barr, opera^r,. of three indie houses 
in Brookl'y^ii^hQ alao complained 
that code Tabor requirements have 
increased paypo.ll burdens in small 
theatres 'a^ray out of proportion.' 
Barr said he was forced to pay 50% 
of his gross for 38 pix used during 
last, year in a 10 -cent house and 
that films rented first run for 10 
and 1 16% are leased for eijjhth run 
for' 26. to ,40%. 

^ Similar : details were reeited by 
Albert Oooperj Long Island City 
operator Swhp said he paid $40 for 
'Bowery' ^en'th runj- while competing 
first run house was charged only 
$26. 

Rosy Accused 

Blunt accusation that Rosenblatt 
ran out on his promises was. njad e 
by Milton C. Welsman, indie, coun- 
sel,, who said he had attempted to 
help write the code but his aid was 
rejected. Said he protested to Rosy 
that the provision authorizing C.A. 
members to appoint, own alternates 
'perpetuates, the monopoly of the 
big eight;' 

More testimony about block book- 
ing. and r other alleged vices came 
n <3yl. - H. A. Cole of Dallas, Tex* 
H. M. Richey -of. Detroit^ who 
[ ...imfalr practices ' are .wide- 
sad. Coie . told hpw United Ar- 
i ■' gives . chains in : Texas; 10% 
?rential ih rentals and Richey 



Detailed'' explanation : of how indies 
are affected by excessive clear* 
ances was. g^Ven by. Fred. J; .Her- 
ring. - . <ft Pittsburgh, who said pro- 
tection requirements had .been ex- 
tended since WB began operating 
in his territory.; 

Discussion between Miss Bowler, 
for.mer' crime : preventer for' Los Att- 
is cops;, and Chairman Darrow 
tpok on aspects of professorial de- 
bate On competing theories of en- 
yironmerit versus heredity in child 
devej6pme.nt.. v . Social- worker testi- 
fied ^recent " -4tudies ;> indicate with- 
out;, ahy doubt that children are 
very ^.definitely ; affected by motion 
i4|Bttijciis' and that bad influences 
could hot be remedied with block- 
booking ; .. ;*f t 4— ~ — ; - 

Explaining' that Indies 'are usual* 
iy- anxious' 'to raise the standards 
of .pictures :ijit : . are unable to re- 
spondt ; to . the; ^desires of their pa- 
trons, because if they are to con- 
^Ue...to .operate .they have to take 
wlioie. blocks,' Miss Bowler testified 
social workers heaved sight of re- 
lief., .when NBA began, considering 
film code. 

Strong protests against block 
booking" were disregarded; she said, 
and "our hopes were dashed— we 
recognized the independent is, just 
as handicapped as he ever was and 
the situation is much worse- since 
this ■ vicious practice has Federal 
sanction.' 

Darrpw. perked up .his ears when 
Miss Bowler began listing factors 
in child delinquency and finally 
flustered witness by inquiring T>o 
you think you can tell what in- 
-flUences-=a=child?---Labor^Depar.ta i = 
ment official admitted 'not. to any 
special detail* which* prompted 
Darrow to suggest 'How about 
leaving him alone — won't that 
hel p?' 

Psychologlcar" discussion^ emied"" 
abruptly when board chairman 
asked, "Ddn't you think ypu'r* 
speculating a good deal when you 
say what kind of plays they should 
see?' and Miss Bowler replied 'No- 
well, yes.' 



Tu< : Jay. April 3, 1934 VARIETY % 23 




24 



VARIETY 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 





TOMS UP 



SPENCER IB 




HARRY GREEN • TH 

Story and screen play: B. G. De||j|a; David Butler 
and Sid Silvers. Songs by Hajjp Adamson and 
Burton Lane/ also Richard A.Wf||lg and Gus Kahn. 



Directed By Dagpfiutler 
PRODUCED BY 




BMBi DESYLVA 



ft E 




Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



PICT 



E S 



VARIETY 



25 



MIDWEST 2-FEATURE PANIC 



Comparative Grosses for March 



(Continued from page 22) 

NEW HAVEN 





Mar. 8 , 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


PARA- 
MOUNT 

(2,348; 86-90) 

High. $21,000 
Low.. 2,600 


Woman's ' 
Man 
and 
Good Dame 

$6,000 


Bolero" 

$6,000 


Bedside 

v and 
- Quitters 
$3,800 


Death Takes 
and 
Made Her 
Bed 

$6,000 


POLI'S 

(3,040; 38-60> 

High. $20,000 
Low.. 4,200 


Nana 

$7,700 


Cat and 

Fiddle 
and 
Hold That 
Girl 

$8,700 


Line Up 
and 
It Happened 

$12,300 


Scandals 

and 
Believed in 
You 

$10,300 


SHERMAN 

(2.200; 35-50) 

High. $16,000 
Low. . 1.500 


Eskimo 

$6,800 


Your Number 

and 
Crosby Case 

$4,200 


Jimmy the 
Gent 

and . 
Poor Rich 
$4,600 


Horseplay 

and 
Journal of 
Crime 

$4,600 


BIRMINGHAM 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


ALABAMA 

(2,800; 30-35-40) 

High. $29,000 
Low.. 3,500 


Roman 
Scandals 

$6,50T) 


Fashions 

$6,000 


Ladies 
Behave 

and 
Good Dame 

$6,000 
(Vaude) 


Mr. X 
and 
Christina 

$7,000 


STRAND 

(800; 26) 

High. $5,000 
Low.. 800 


Lips Betray 

$800 


Fane's Baby 

$1,100 


Sons of 
Desert 

$1,000 


Advice to 
Lovelorn 
$900 


EMPIRE 

U.100; 25) 

High. $12,000 
Low.. 800 


College Coach 

$1,800 


To Every 
Woman 

$1,600 


It Happened 

$3,200 


Happened 

$2,700 
(2d "week) 


PORTLAND, ORE. 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


B'WAY 

(2,000 ; 25-40) 

High. $21,000 
Low.. 2,500 


Madame Spy 

$8,600 
(Chic Sale on 
stage) 


8ide of 
Heaven 

and 
Bombay Mail 

$4,600 


Buy 
Everythina 

and 
Love Birds 

$4,200 


Mr. X 

$6,000 


UNITED 

ARTISTS 

(1.000; 26-40) 

High. $13,200 
Low.. 1,200 


Christina 

$4,400 
(2d week) 


Nana 

$4,300 


Palooka 

$3,300 


Catherine 
$4,500 


ORIENTAL 

(2,500; 25-36) 

$24,000 
800 


Roman 
Scandals 

$2,300 


Down to Rio 

$1,900 


Like It That 
Way 

and 
Two Alone 

$2,100 


King for 
Night 
and 
Meanest Girl 

$1,900 


SEATTLE 




Mar. 8 


Mar. ,15 . 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


FIFTH AVE. 

(2,400; 2S-40) 

High. $26,000 
Low. . 2,500 


Carolina 

$6,500 


Christina 

$9,600 


David Haruni 

$9,100 


Fashions 
$2,600 
(New Low). 


PARA- 
MOUNT 

(3,100; 20-30) 

High. $21,000 
Low.. 1.600 


Buy 
Everything 

$5,600 
(Stage Show) 
(6 days) 


More' Women 

$7,100 


M r. X 

$6,400 • 


Side of 
Heaven 

$5,900 


LIBERTY 

(1,000: 13-25-86) 

High. $12,000 
Low.. 2,100 


It Happened 

$6,000 
(New Prices) 


Happened 

$6,700 
(2d week) 


Happened 
. $6,800 
(3d week) 


Happened 

$8,100 
(4th week) 


MUSIC BOX 

(000: 25-36) 

High. $17,000 
Low.. 2.000 


Hips, Hooray 
$4,100 


Moulin 
Rouge 

$4,600 


Moulin 

$2,600 
(3d week) 


Nana 

$6,100 


TACOMA 




Mar. 8 


Mar. 15 


Mar. 22 


Mar. 29 


MUSIC BOX 

(1,400: 25-35) . 

High. $10,500 
Low . . 1,000 


Roman 
. Scandals 

$4,900 


Nellie 

and 
Your 
Number 

$4,000 

(Split) 
(Chic Sale on 

stage) 


Design 
and 
Hips Hooray 

$2,400 
(Split, 9 days) 


Moulin Rouge 

$3,900 
" (6 days) 


ROXY 

(1.300; 25-36) 

High. $7,000 
Low . . 2,000 


Fall in Love 
and 
Buy 
Everything 

$4,400 
(8 days, split) 


It Happened 

$3,900 


Christina 
$4,300 


Harum 

$6,100 



F-WC Readies Airdomes 



Los Angeles, April 2. 
Fox West Coast Theatres has 
leased the alrdome site and equip- 
ment in El Centro, near the Mexican 
border, for a number of years, oper- 
ated by Herb Norrls, and has com- 
pleted plans whereby the picture 
policy of the Valley there will be 
shifted to the .open spot as soon 
as hot weather hits the Imperial 
Valley-this summer. - 
George Bowser, F-WC dlv. mgr. 
for the territory, will keep circuit's 
United Artists In El Gentro open 
as long as conditions permit, due 
house being equipped with 



to 



-modern cooling plant; "arid "wfll then 
shift to alrdome adjoining, for 
second outdoor spot. 

At Calexicb, directly on the 
border, airdome wil be constructed 
immediately by F-WC, probably ad- 
joining its Capitol', 



Par Splurges on Music 
Special, 'College Rhythm' 

Hollywood, April 2. 

A heavy name cast will be tossed 
into 'College Rythm,' fllmuslcal ex- 
travaganza which Paramount will 
produce this summer for fall release. 

Players already set for spots In 
the picture Include Lariny Ross, 
Jack Oakle, Richard Arlen, Paul 
Gerrltz and Lyda Robert!. Tarn is 
an original by George Marlon, Jr., 
screen play by Walter De J^eon- and 
'Jonn McDermott. " ' ' 



MERLIN JOINS PAR B'D 

Holy wood, April 2. 

Milton Merlin, former book re- 
viewer "on "The Eos "Angeles Times; 
hag been added to the Paramount 
studio editorial board. 

Merlin has recently been editing 
West Ways, publication of the 
Southern California Automobile 
club. 




New Indie Eachib Group 
Forming for No Price or 
Release Schedule— Want 
Double Features and 10c 
Admissions 

EXCHANGES LAY LOW 



Chicago, April 2. 

Despite the efforts of the more 
conservative factions of the picture 
industry in this territory it appears 
that the entire Chicago and mid- 
west territory will swing back to 
double, features shortly. That 
means this week or next, at the 
latest. Those that have been fight- 
ing twin bills are about resigned to 
the trend. Which makes four dis- 
tributors happy over a victory. 

These distributors are Columbia, 
Universal, Fox and RKO and their 
battle for double' features follows 
their inability to convince the rest 
of the Industry locally* to agree to 
a system of allotment of product 
equitably among; the major ex- 
changes. Metro, Paramount and 
Warner are, and have been, getting 
about 75% of all available playing 
.time on. the big; midwest circuit, 
Balaban & Katz. It Is understood 
that B. & K. was quite agreed to 
the allotment plan for pictures, but 
that the three distributors nixed 
any scheme for upsetting their pres- 
ent quotas. 

Major occurrence last week lead- 
ing to the almost certain return of 
double features was the formation 
of a new exhibitors' group headed 
by Edward Brunell of the Metropole 
theatre and Fred Guilford of the 
Century and Madlin theatres. These 
exhibs were formerly with Allied, 
but are no longer in that organiza- 
tion. 

Pix Revolution 

The meeting ended with demand 
for an entire upset of the present 
release* arid price system. They 
want unrestricted price setups with- 
out tying In price arid protection. 
They want the right to sell admis- 
sion for 10c. And more important, 
they came out flat-footedly for 
double features. All three of the 
above items are strictly against 
contract clauses now In effect and 
each of the three contract clauses 
have been upheld time and time 
again by exhib arid dlstrib bodies. 

Allied mass meetings in the past 
two years have' very often been on 
the question of .whether or not the 
exhibs in this- territory want double 
features. And each , time the vote 
was taken the result has been 
unanimously for single features 
only. The exhibs hero, had their 
experience with double bills two 
years ago and they still go into a 
sweat when they think about it. 
B. A K. Ready 

As far as double features are con- 
cerned, Balaban A Kats have stated 
that they will not battle them any 
longer, but If the town goes for 
doubles they will send their ace 
houses such as the Marbro, South - 
town, Tlvoli, Granada and other 
3,000-seaters into a split week twin- 
bill policy. Which would take the 
best pictures of the week for these 
houses, leaving the dregs only for 
the subsequent run spots. B. & K. 
has figures to prove that the only 
time in recent years that such houses 
as the Granada and Marbro made 
.any . profits.,: was. with- double, ,f can- 
tores. 

Rosewood theatre on the' north- 
side may be the touch-off on the 
new turn to double features'. It was 
this house which wad the big .open- • 
inff-gun- for twin features In this 
town three years ago with the 
house zooming up into terrific 
profits under this policy. But soon 
the entire district was twin-hilling 
so that the house lost its original 
advantage as the bargain theatre. 



Double Billing Killing Off 

Screen Shorts; Production Siesta 



Yeah, Man! 



Hollywood, April 2. 

New "type of subtle yes- 
man pulled this on a producer 
who, criticizing a story to a 
writer, said: 

'The first and last parts of 
your script are okay.' Then 
he hesitated. 

Yes-man filled in the pause, 
*Yes, but the iniddle is lousy.' 
—Reprinted from Doily Vari- 
ety. 



Warners L A. Deluxer 

- * ■ 

Set for Reopening 
With 15c Admish fag 



Los Angeles, April 2. 

Warners' Western, 2,200-seat de- 
luxer dark for the past 10 months, 
has been leased by Wiltern Corp., 
of. which Ben N. Berinstein, presi- 
dent of the Southern California In- 
die Theatres Owners,, is operating 
head. House is set to reopen under 
the Berinstein management April 7 
with a subsequent run policy. 

Contemplated admish ill be 20c, 
but failing to get pic breaks Berin- 
stein intends to cut to 15c, which is 
expected to preclpiate a box-office 
price war among nearby exhibs, 
with Harry Chotiner threatening to 
cut .prices at his Ravenna and Pa- 
risian, arid Fox- West Coast expected 
to take similar action at several of 
its competing houses. 



IOWA'S 2% SALES TAX 
STARTS; SET FOR 3 YRS. 



Des Moines, April 2. 

Iowa's new 2% retail . sales tax 
means penny-pleurisy for theatre 
managers. The tax went into effect 
April 1 and will remain In effect 
until April 1, 1937. 

The schedule as approved means 
on sales of 1-14 cents, no tax; 16- 
66o, lc tax; 66-99C, 2c, and on $1 
or more, a straight 2% to be gov- 
erned by major fractions. 

Both the fractional sales and 
amusement schedule provide for in- 
clusion of the tax in the total price 
paid. 

The amusement schedule on tick- 
ets is 10-50c, lc tax; 55-80c, 2c tax. 

The tax board held that persons 
operating picture theatres, operas, 
baseball parks, golf courses, circuses, 
carnivals, chautauquas, lectures and 
all other places of .public amusement 
come within the sales tax. The only- 
exemptions are -local fairs and edu- 
cational, religious or charitable ac- 
tivities. 

Trl-States Theatres Corp. took 
the opportunity to make reductions 
In admissions at night at both the 
Paramount and /the Des Moines, 
with the Des Moines going from 60c' 
to 40, plus the lc tax, and Par- 
amount's evening price goes from 40 
to 86c downstairs arid 26c lii the 
bacoriy, plus tax. 



JACK SMALLEY TO METRO 

Minneapolis, April 2. 
Jack Smalley, formerly managing 
editor of the Fawcett publications 
and more recently serving in the 
same capacity with Mrs. Annette 
Fawcett's rival outfit, has departed 
for Hollywood to join the ; Metro 
story department. 
. . ..First — assignment —is —on ■- - Joan 
Crawford's next picture. 



Rosewood is now running doubles 
and even triples, but with indie 
product. However, there are re- 
ports house will soon start doubles 
with major product and will go to 
court to seek an Injunction to re- 
strain the dlutribs from withholding 
product according to their . con- 
tractual restrictions. 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Production of shorts, particularly 
comedies, is currently in the dol- 
drums; with all companies cutting 
proposed schedules to an almost 
neglible minimum. , 

Shorts producers blame the lack 
of a provision in the film code pro- 
hibiting double billing for their 
present siesta. 

Most companies, scheduled, high 
for two and one reelers for the sea- 
son, expecting that the code would 
kill the duals, but with the country- 
how . doubling and in some, cases 
tripling, the short boys don't see a 
possibility of ever making a dollar 
again with this type of product* 

With reports from exchanges that 
.rentals for shorts have dropped 
from 40 to 60% during the last few 
months on account of the duals, the 
short producers have canceled many 
contracts recently in order to play 
safe. 

Paramount canceled out both Phil 
Ryan' and Arvid Gilstrom, who. held 
pacts for production of. heavy 
schedules. Studio announcement 
was that the company would, make 
their own two-reelers hereafter, but 
as yet there's little activity in this 
direction. 

Bennett Idle 

With Mack Serinett in financial 
difficulty nothing has come off that 
lot for months. 

Educational likewise is Idling 
along, without any immediate pros- 
pect of production. Program 
called for 28 to be made here for 
that release, but to date only 14 
have been released. Scripts have 
been prepared on several that were, 
skedded to go in long before this 
time, but New York has not as yet 
sent the dough to start camera 
work.. Indications here is that all 
Educational's comedy production 
will be. concentrated for the time 
being at least at New York, where 
Al Christie is making shorts at As- 
toria. 



San Francisco Board 
Looks Situation Over 



San Francisco, Apr! 2. 

Frisco's newly appointed zoning, 
clearance and . grievance board had 
its first meeting this week, and a 
committee is now mulling over de- 
tails of headquarters, furnishings, 
office staff, etc. 

Once everything is set board will 
gird itself for the flock of squawks 
that are now being doped out. 



Ready Mascot's Trio 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Three writing units are scrlveri- 
ing originals intended for the en- 
larged feature program recently an- 
nounced by Nat Levihe for Mascot 
Pictures. 

Sherman Lowe and Al Martin are 
paired on one; John Rathmell and 
Colbert Clark are teamed on a sec- 
ond, and Prescott Chaplin, latest 
addition to staff, is ort the third. 
All untitled. 



Indie < Xihas Carol* to 
Be Produced in East 

Classic Pictures, indie, is to film 
Dickens' 'Christmas. Carol' with an 
all -.English cast in New York. O. P. 
Heggie so far set. 

Classic has brought on Clifford 
Brooke from the Coast as director 
and- arranged - for^- space - at -the- 
Bi raph studio in the Bronx. 



RKO Borrows Gleason 

Hollywood, April 2.. 

Jarw-s Gleason goes to RKO on 
loan from Fox for 'Murder on the 
Blackboard,' which goes into pro- 
duction today (Mon.). 

Gleason holds contract with Fox 
as player-director-writer and dia- 
logue director. 



PLAY IT 
AGAIN!. 

■ Thousands 

of 'Dancing Dollars' waiting to be taken in for a 
second sight of that tantalizing, mesmerizing music 
show that's turned dance mad America into a nation 
of Brazilian Nuts. 





"F ILYI IM G 



PLAY IT AGAIN ! ADVERTISE IT BIGGER 
THAN EVER. CASH IN ON AMERICA'S 
GREATEST MUSIC SENSATION! 



DOWN TO 



RKO-RAD 
P I 




Everybody's saying "Let's 
Do The Cariocal It's not a 
fox trot or a polka . - - " — 
and the AIR is burning up 
each night with its inflam- 
mable rhythm as hundreds 
of Radio orchestras sweep 
down the skyways with 
"The Carioca" I 



in the big hotels, the smart ball rooms, the 
night clubs and the cocktail rooms it's "The 
Carioca"! In homes the young ones are teach- 
ing the old ones to do "The Carioca" . . . dance 
schools are advertising that they teach "The 
Carioca"— it's the sensation of the year, this 
"Carioca"! 



"THE CARIOCA" WAS INTRODUCED 
TO AMERICA IN "FLYING DOWN TO RIO" 
THE GREATEST MUSICAL PRODUC- 
TION THE SCREEN HAS EVER HAD! 

with 

DOLORES DEL RIO 

GENE RAYMOND * RAUL ROULIEN 
GINGER ROGERS • FRED ASTAIRE 
MUSIC BY VINCENT YOUMANS 

LYRICS BY EDWARD ELISCU AND GUS KAHN 
DIRECTED BY THORNTON FREELAND 
MERIAN C. COOPER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER 



Tuesday, April, 3 i. 1934 



PICT 



E S 



VARIETY 



27 




Countess of Monte Cristo 

(Continued from page 17) 
at the box* office. As is it will prob- 
ably Just about get by on moderate 
takes. Jn its original German ver- 
sion it was a sock film abroad. Karl 
Freund in reshooting it has speeded 
it up « -bit and given it consider- 
able tempo, although it could still 
Stand 10 minutes of trimming. 
Nevertheless, a good Job from a di- 
rectorial standpoint. 
7 Picture is a variation on the Cin- 
derella theme, handled in a light 
comedy vein. Some original twists 
give it considerable freshness and 
a romantic quality. Fay Wray as 
the central character handled the 
part entirely too heavily and misses 
the role's Intent by a mile. That's 
where the picture falls down. • 

She's an extra in a Viennese film 
Btudlo and having a tough time 
making both ends meet. Bawled out 
put by. a temperamental director, 
she decides to have one big fling, 
steals xhe automobile and fur coat 
she's working in, kidnaps a girl 
friend (Patsy Kelly) and drives oft* 
to luxurious summer resort where 
she registers as the Countess of 
Monte Carlo. . Reginald Owen and 
Paul Lucas; both debonair jewel 
thieves, make plays for her. and 
help her get by, but at the end 
both fall into the hands of the po- 
lice and the two girl extras go back 
home. 

Most of it is pretty amusing, de- 
spite that it's also pretty gossa- 
mer. Patsy Felly in her first fea- 
ture role does very well and im- 
. presses as having a lot of film pos- 
sibility. She garners a whole arm- 
load of laughs. Reginald Owen, too, 
does better than well and Paul Lu- 
kas is engaging, as usual, despite 
Inclined to go too heavy. 

Paul Page gets a brief bit as Miss 
Wray's newspaperman sweetheart 
and handles it lightly, although not 
convincingly. Carmel Myers in a 
bit, singer a sons interestingly. Rob- 
ert McWade, Richar'd Tucker and 
Bobby Watson are oke in bits. 

Productionally and photographic- 
ally the picture is A-]. Kauf. 

On a Vole Un Homme 

('Man Stolen') 

(FRENCH MADE) 

Paris, March 23. 
Erich Pommer production by Fox-Eu- 
ropa. distributed by Fox Film. Directed 
by Max Ophuls. Scenario by Rene Pujol 
and Hans Wllhelm: music, Iurmann and 
Kaper: technical supervision, Rene Guls- 
sart; photography. Rene Colas. Starring 
Llll Damlta and Henry Garat. Presented 
at the Mnrlsrnan. Paris; March 10. Run- 
ning time, GO mins. 

Annette L4U Damlta 

Victor Charles Fallot 

Balafre Pierre Labry 

Inapector Raoul Marco 

Jean de Lafaye Henry Garat 

Old Lady Nina Myral 

Leftros Robert Goupll 

Remy Pierre Plerade 

Robert Fernand Fabre 

This is the first- of the two films 
made in 'France by the Pommer 
outfit for Fox, and it has Pommer 
written all over it. It is an in- 
significant French story, the sort 
of stuff the French producers have 
been putting out for years, with the 
difference that it is done by some- 
body who knows how to make films. 




BEN 



WARNER ItltOS. COMEDIES 
Dir. JOE RllKIN 
LEO MORRISON. Agroncy 




THE FAMOUS 
CANINE COMEDIAN 

P ETE 

THE ORIGINAL 
"OUR GANG" DOG 



"Pete sccDis to lie a remarkably Intelli- 
gent and well (mined animal. His activi- 
ties nre out of the ordinary and he has 
an amusing air of lxircdom as if the 
stunts he goes through so smoothly were, 
not his Uloa of dignity Mid ranlne star- 
dom."— PROVIDENCE JOURNAL. 



For Open Dates Write or Wire 

CHAS. V. YATES 

1560 Broadway New York 



As a production it puts the regu- 
lar run of local mades to shame. 

Chief charm of the film is In the 
personality of the principals, Da- 
mlta and Garat. Garat is the apex 
of • the matinee idol type; and Lili 
is something to look -at. So why 
worry about the fact that the story 
doesn't amount to a row of pins? 

For America, it has a chance in 
the specialized French houses be- 
cause it gives the effect of being 
typically French— light, frothy, and 
all that sort of thing. It contains 
some, marvelous shots taken on the 
French Riviera, and the photog- 
raphy is worthy of the German 
origin of its sponsor. 

There is just one song, and Da- 
mita sings only a few notes. Garat 
sings most of the number, and she 
points out to him when he's finished 
that it was all off-key. 

Plot Is one of those preposterous 
things about a young banker 
(Garat) who is kidnapped by the 
beautiful representative of his busi- 
ness enemies (Damita). During his 
sequestration 'they fall in love. 

Opening sequences, showing -their 
flirtation in . the Blue Train going 
south from Paris, are the' best for 
America. Dialog is at a minimum 
here. 

Local career of the' picture may 
nof be brilliant, for it Ms v neither 
dramatic nor humorous enough for 
present French tastes, although 
both the stars have large personal 
followings. Picture is' too much 
like hundreds of others the French 
have seen, and the fact, that it is 
done infinitely better may not be 
sufficient to get back all that was 
spent on it. 

Stern 



and-tumble first battles, a kidnap- 
ping, three plane crashes, a .chase 
bet\vesn airplane and train, the. pil- 
fering of the plans, and the lad/who, 
after witnessing the death 6f an 
aviator pal in a crackup, vows that 
he is through with the controls. 

Aside from the aerial shots, it 
moves along woodenly. Cast weaves 
In arid out of the plpt with the 
abandon- of so many automatons. 
The colonel continues to fix 'em 
with that penetrating optic and to 
heave a wioked right. 

Evalyn Knapp is in on the. love 
interest, but these episodes aren't 
permitted to interfere very much 
with the aerial proceedings. . 

Odec 



WHEELS OF DESTINY 

Universal production and release. Stars 
Ken Maynard. Directed by Alan James. 
Story and adaptation by Nate Gatzert. 
Photography by Ted McCord. Theme song 
by Ken Maynard. At TIvoll, N. T., March 
28-21), on double bill. Running time, 6-1 
mins. 

Ken Manning Ken Maynard 

Mary Dorothy Dix 

Rocky Phllo McCullough 

Pimvhecl. . .'. .Frank Rice 

Bill Jay-Wllsle 

Dad , Ed Coxen 

'Scalp-em- Alive' Fred Sale, Jr. 

Red ....Fred McKaye 

Ed .Jack Rockwell 

Deacon William Gould 

Trapper Nelson McDowell 



THE CROSBY CASE 

Universal production and release. Di- 
rected by Edwin L. Marin, Screenplay and 
dialog by Wairen Duff and Gordon Knhn. 
At Loew's N. Y. double' till March 28-30. 
Running time. 00 mins. 

Lynn .Ashton Wynne Gibson 

3cotty Craham Onslow .'-tevens 

Inspector Thomas Alan Dineliart 

Sergeant Melody Wm. Collier. Br. 

Sam Collins Warren Hvmer 

Lubeck , ward Van Sloan 

Willie John Wray 

Miller Skeets Gallagher 

Costollo J. Farrell MacDonald 

Rodgers Harold Huber 

weems ...Harry Seymour 

Sliff . : Loon Waycoff 

DeCobra .- Mischa Auer 

Sam's Wife Doris Cnnfleld 

Serard Wade Hoteler 

Logan Harry Woods 

O'Shea. Jnmes Flavin 

Wilson Arthur Hoyt 



One of those would-be mystery 
r. urder mellers that projects on the 
screen with the continuity of an 
unsolved crossword puzzle. In its 
present shape 'Crosby' is " weak 
filler. 

A clumsy and unwieldy pjot un- 
folds characters who become hope- 
lessly lost in the maze of detectiv- 
ity before the cutter, evidently 
reaching the final stage of bewil- 
derment in his search for a thread 
to have the semblance of continuity, 
flagged finis. 

Five suspects are introduced at 
the opening. Tl. «:i a man topples 
over in a gutter. After that a police 
inspector who depends upon one of 
those screen newspapermen for en- 
couragement commences his deduc- 
tions. 

This thing is so broken with flash- 
backs and cut-iris the action jump- 
ing from one private life to another 
with abrupt abandon, that the au- 
dience is slightly dizzy before half 
of the running time is over. 

When the director evidently re- 
membered that some kind of a bud- 
get had to be observed he left 
threads hanging all over the screen, 
including a second murder, to go 
out and immediately select the 
doorman as the bad boy. 

Cast did what they were told and 
to a man succeeded in performing 
on a par with the direction and the 
thing called a script. Waly. 



SPEED WINGS 

Columbia production and release. Stars 
Tim McCoy. Directed by Otto Browcr. 
Story and screen play by Horace McCoy. 
Al Slegler, photograph, At Times Square, 
New York, two days. March 27-28. Run- 
ning time, ill mlnB. 

Tim .Tim McGoy 

Mary Evalyn Knapp 

Jerry ; Billy Bakewell 

Mickey ......Vincent Sherman 

Crandall ........ Hooper Atchley 

Gregory ..Ben Hewlett 

Haley Jack Long 



What puts this one a notch or 
two above the regulation Tim 
McCoy opera, aU least from the 
angle of excitement, is the deft 
interpelation of stunt flying shots 
Since practically half of the action 
takes place off the ground, the 
major credit for holding 'em inter 
ested should go to the stock library 
and the stunt lads, if any. 

Story is built to the tried and true 
formula with few of the ingredients 
overlooked. Included are four rough 




LOTTIE MAYER 

Presents Iter 

16 — DIVING DANCING DARLINGS— 16 

In The Famous Olsuppearing Water Ballet 

PARAMOUNT, BROOKLYN (This week, March 30) 

All Me-linrvlrnl Efforts Fully Protected by Patents and Patent* Pending 



Sketchy treatment of an old 
theme, that of the, cross-country 
covered wagon trek to the gold 
fields of the far west, with its front 
parlor love interest, Indian- attacks 
and villainy. Offers nothing new or 
fresh in development. 
.. Produced, directed, written and 
performed in a matter-of-fact way 
with little attention paid to detail 
but much to shooting, shouting 
and Indian /hooping, picture is 
just another open-air roll of film. 
It's one of the poorer of recent Ken 
Maynard starrers. 

Maynard, riding back east from 
the gold pastures of California, 
joins up with a band that's about 
to take on on a great adventure 
A brigand bunch, whose intentions 
should have seemed obvious, but 
weren't accepted as such, also 
joins the caravan in the thought of 
stealing a map to the hero's gold 
find. The cavalcade trudges on, 
across a lot of country,, reaching 
destination only after an en- 
counter 'with Indians who had been 
aroused, for good reason, by the 
villains among the crowd. 

'Wheels of Destiny' is long on one 
thing at least, regardless • of its 
shortcomings. It has so much 
shooting and so much yelling by 
Indians, together with group sing- 
ing and shouting by the covered 
wagon bunch, that it has a very 
definite. reaction in an aural way. 

Girl is the colorless type used in 
oats operas or pioneer classics, 
Dorothy Dix. Two excellent minor 
characters are found in this one, 
both of whom merit better appor- 
tunities, Nelson McDowell and* 
Frank Rice. Char. 



EVER SINCJE; EVE ., : 

Fox production and release. Directed by 
George Marshall. Based on. Paul Arm- 
strong's 'The Heir to Hoorah; adapted by 
Henry Johnson and Stuart Anthony. At 
Mayfalr. N. Y., week, March 2\>. Running 
time, 75 mins, 



Very light and ordinary lesser 
run program material is a lauda- 
tory commentary for a theme which 
would experiment with George 
O'Brien largely in the drawing 
room. 

There's nothing wrong with 
O'Brien. He does his work In busi- 
ness clothes almost as well as in 
cowboy and seaman's togs. There's 
a definite something about the part 
in which he is cast in 'Eve,' a title 
which is the very antithesis of the 
action, that doesn't give him the 
chance to prove his capability for 
miscellaneous characterizations. 

He's clean-cut; perhaps a little 
too much so. He's virile, because 
he has a chance to ride a horse, and 
yet inconsistent. He doesn't seem 
to handle a woman, or men with 
whom she flirts, in the manner ex- 
pected by the type of audience 
which would patronize such a pic- 
ture. He's too nice. 

The story itself is generally light 
and unconvincing, straining every 
now and then for laughs. The two 
guardians of the lad, elderly wo- 
men-haters, are stereotyped. And 
the yarn, again, is without inspira- 
tion. The bid fable : 6f the good 
looking and rich country lad who 
comes- to New York and falls in 
love; who finds out that his wife 
is interested in money; who goes 
away and comes back again after 
a timely accident to find that she 
has a babe and really' cares. 

It's very clean entertainment, urt- 
speekled from any moralistic school 
perspective. ~Waly. 



GOODBYE LOVE 

Jefferson proluctlor. -and JtKO release. 
Stars. Charlie Ruggles. Directed by Biuce 
Hilmbsrptone. Hampton . Del' Ruth, story; 
George Rossner. Hampton Del Ruth, con- 
tinuity and dialog; John Howard Lawson, 
added dialog; Chas. Scnoenbaum. camera. 
Cast: Verree Teasdale, Mayo Methot, Sid- 
ney Blackmer. Phyllis Barry. Tay Walker. 
John Kelly, Grace Hale. At Loew's New 
York, tw;> days. March 20-27, on double 
bill. Running time, 06 Btins. 



GUN JUSTICE 

Universal product-Ion and release. Stars 
Ken Maynard. Directed by Alan James., 
Story and adaptation by Robert Qulgley. 
Photography by Ted McCord. At TIvoll, 
N. Y.. on double bill March 21-22. Running 
time, 00 mins. 

Ken Lance ' Ken Maynard 

Ray Harsh Cecilia Parker 

Sam Burkett Hooper Atchley 

Chris Hogan Walter Miller 

Hank Rivers.. ...Jack Rockwell 

Denver Francis Ford 

Imposter ■. Fred McKaye 

Red Hogan Bill Dyer 

Sheriff. Jack Richardson 

Jim Lance Ed Coxen 

Jones - Bill Gould 



A lot of flying hoofs, winded mus- 
tangs, bum aim from six-shooter 
enthusiasts and evil efforts to grab 
off a ranch all figure again, but 
'Gun Justice' is still an absorbing 
sagebrush item. It is fast, action- 
ful and to' the point. 

Forgiving its makers for the way 
horses are constantly on the tear, 
the ease with which the heavy ele- 
ment operates against law and 
order, and how swell-looking the 
hero and his horse are. as against 
all others in the picture, the Ken 
Maynard starrer Invites no com- 
plaint. 

Love Interest, developed along 
rather sympathetic lines for both 
Maynard and the girl, Cecilia Par- 
ker, is more convincing and real 
than in most westerns. Both are 
cou^'i*. beneficiaries under a will 
to the ranch left by an uncle who 
has gone down under a lead spray 
after unwillingness to sell to omvo- 
sltion interests. 

Body of the story revolves around 
a scHeme of enemies to grab the 
ranch by fair means or foul, mostly 
latter. Since the nephew under the 
old uncle's will can't be located, tin 
heavies rig up a muerg of iheir own 
for purposes of posing as the heir. 
This, is all upset when the rightful 
legatee shows up as a state ranger, 
On the assignment of tracking down 
the murderers of his uncle. This 
may be suspected early, but the, 
identity, as usual, is saved for the 
final reel. 

Exterior photography calls for a 
pat on the back for Ted McCord, 
the camoraman. Char. 



Charlie Buggies, Veree Teasdale 
and other capable players are tossed 
away on an ineffectively told story. 
It will probably please the rougher 
element, but it has limited appeal 
for the more discriminating. Very 
good sound, adequate photography, 
but the direction is too slowly 
paced; scenes being overvalued and 
standing sadly in need of the shears. 
Closer cutting would have helped. 

Script is a loose weaving of the 
alimony club, the gold digger, the 
professional co-respondent and the 
bogus lord ideas, basted together 
with dialog which makes so deter- 
mined effort to be funny that one 
can almost hear the author grunt. 

Blackmer la in, the alimony jail 
to spite his wife. His yalet, Buggies, 
is in because he cannot help it. 
Buggies gets the money to com- 
promise his alimony, but uses it 
for a trip, to Atlantic City, where he 
meets Verree Teasdale, a gold 
digger, who marries Blackmer. 
Then the latter learns the truth and 
a brisk newspaper man frames both 
the new and the . old wife and 
Blackmer marries his girl secretary. 

Buggies, who has pulmotored 
scores of plays, cant boost this. He 
works hard, but he hasn't even his 
bootstraps . to lift himself by. Miss 
Teasdale has an unsympathetic 
part and is not helped any by the 
photographer. Blackmer and Bay 
Walker, as the newspaper man, 
keep things moving as briskly as 
the laggard tempo will permit, and 
Phyllis Barry comes through nicely 
In a few bits.- Chic. 



Army; Navy Pic 
Buys Fruitful 
To Indie Exchgs. 



Los Angeles, April 2. 
Two fields for short subject dis- 
tribution that are becoming particu- 
larly fruitful for indie exchanges 
handling novelty plx, are being 
heavily developed in various distri- 
bution centers, with Coast ex- 
changes getting their share of the 
revenue. 

Constantly increased demand Is 
reported by distribs catering to pri- 
vate or semi- private buyers, such as 
well-to-do individuals, who utilize 
the subjects for home screening; 
clubs, churches, schools, societies 
arid other' organizations. ' 

Another avenue that is proving 
even more profitable to the shorts' 
dispensers, is Navy and Army de 1 
mand, with the former going in for 
straight print buys, and becoming 
a potential consumers. Pix acquired 
by the Navy are for screening 
aboard ship, in yards, hospitals, 
prisons and oanteen houses. Book- 
ings are handled direct by Lieut. 
Commander T. D. Warner, USN. 
with headquarters at the Brooklyn 
Navy Yard. Navy is paying 6c a 
foot for positive prints, with orders 
usually comprising two or three 
prints of each subject selected. 

Army posts are also increasing 
their buys, with pay warrants from 
both branches of the service coming 
through promptly and making it" 
lucrative biz for the distribs. 

On the Coast, bookings for home 
and private screenings has reached 
proportions where commercial ex- 
hibs are beginning to become 
alarmed at the inroads on their biz. 
Most of the local patronage for this 
type of biz comes from such com- 
munities as Beverly Hills, Pasadena, 
Glendale, Santa Barbara and the 
better residential sections, where 
wealthy residents have acquired a 
habit of 'giving pic shows in their 
homes several nights a week. 

These showings are made possible 
through use of portable projectors 
provided by the distributors, and it's 
cash on the line for the service. 



SPOT RAYMOND HATTON 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Raymond Hatton has been given 
prominent spot in the M. H. Hoff- 
man production, 'Mad Honeymoon,' 
now in work? 

William Nigh directing. 



EDNA 
SEDGWICK 

Now in 9th week at the Palais 
Royal and doubling this week on 
the same bill with George Raft 
at the 

PARAMOUNT, New York 

Direction LEDDY & SMITH 



" U SPENDS 50G ON STAGES" 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Universal Is re-constructing one 
of its old silent stages into two 
sound stages. 

Work will cost $60,000. 



'SERVICE 





*lTAC'U:$Bi€W* 

1 560* Broadway New York City 

A Subsidiary of 

FANCHON & MARCO, Inc. 




28 



VARIETY 



Tuesday* April 3, 1939 



(Cheers for 
Norma Shearer, 
Robert Montgomery 
in "Riptide," with 
Herbert Marshall, 
Mrs. Patrick Camp- 
(bell Written and 
/directed by Edmund 
Goulding. Presented 
[bylrving G.Thalberg. 



SMASH go the 

records from Coast-to- 
Coast- Here's the firsts 
three days 1 business by 
telegraph, as we merrily 
go to press: 




NEW YORK _ , 

Three days' record for past year and a half"! 

PHILADELPHIA 

Biggest mid-week opening in 3 years! 

BALTIMORE 

S, R. O. signs for Shearer fans! 

BOSTON 

Biggest first three days in two years! 

COLUMBUS ^ ^ 

Beats everything except " Tugboat Annie M; 
record-holder! 

RICHMOND . 

Beats everything except "Tugboat Annie$ 

ROCHESTER 

Terrific business for Shearer's greatest! 
WASHINGTON 

Within reach of house record! And going 
strong! 

SYRACUSE 

Sensational reception! S. R. O. here! 

MEMPHIS 

Beat 'Tugboat Annie.' 

EVANSVILLE 

Best opening on the books! 

DES MOINES 

Biggest house has had except "Tugboat Annie y 
NEW ORLEANS 

Beats "Tugboat Annie" and "Dinner at _8.? 

NASHVILLE . ^ 

Beats "Tugboat Annie" and "Dancing Lady^ 
Sensational ! 

And the telegrams pour in from Akron, Cantori; 
Cleveland, Providence, Springfield, Houston, Kansas 
City, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Omaha, Louisville...and 
- all around the map it's " Riptide Wrecks Records^? 



LEO MARCHES ON! 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



PICT 



E S 



VARIETY 



29 



Studio Placements 



Hollywood, April 2. 
tavld Tlllotson, Double Doors/ 

\eorge Bancroft, Dorothy 

'Ladies First/ Par. 
setty Compson, 'Broadway Vlr- 

Major. 

hester Morris, read on 

Waters/ U. 

m MacLaren, Arthur Hohl, 
irles Morris, Harry Beresford, 
sopatra/ Par. 

red Sparks, 'Down to Their Last 
:ht/ RKO. 

eloz- Yolanda r dance ' team, 

my Happy Returns/ Par. 

iart Shell, Clarence Marks, 

Ipting 'Weather Permitting/ U. 

,. J. Blochman, scripting his orig 

lnatown Squad/ U. 

laynard Holmes, T>U / 

i. 

il-thur Vinton, 'Dames,' . WB. 
[arrison Greene, : 'CaU It Luck/ 

i, 

lary. Mason, 'Always Honest/ 
c. 

lerman Brljc, 'Treasure Island/ 

r. • . i. 

tobert Taylor, loaned by MG for 

>rry Andrew/ Pox. 

iamuel Hines, 'Operator 13/ MG. 

I urlel Evans, Irene Hervey, Pete 

ith short, MG. 

lose Vespro, 'Down to: the Last 
ilit/ RKO. 

faude Turner, Loves Me 

t/ Par. 

Zdward Pawley, J, M, Kerrigan, 
easure Island/ MG.' 
flary Boland, 'Here Comes the 
de/ Par. 

amison Thomas, / 

Za.rl Brown, , 
incible. 

Valter Armitage, «NOw I'll Tell/ 

c. ..■ 

mders Van Haden, World Moves 
,' Fox. 

Hlly Arnold, Warner Richmond, 
id Honeymoon/ M. H. Hoffman; 
larah Padden, 'Little Man, What 
wT U. 

ames Burke, 'Treasure Island/ 

. ■* . "' 

Jetty Mack, Oscar Apfei; May 
tlJace, Charlie Chase comedy, 
ich. 

lerpert Marsh 'Green Hat/ 

aien Scott, 'Rlng- 
isse/ RKO. 

)6ris Anderson, scripting untitled 
n, U. 

idele Commandinl, screen play, 
esenting Lily Mars/ MG. 



Karen De Wolf, collabing with 
Wm. Anthony McGuire on an orig, 

' Una O'Connor, 'Barretts of Wlm- 
pole Street/ MG. 

Frank Conroy, 'Manhattan Melo- 
drama/ MG. 

Lewis Stone, Island/ 
MG. 

Herbert Stothert, adapting music 
•Merry Widow/ MG. 

Robert Armstrong-, 'She Loves Me 
Not/ Par. 

Bruce Cabot, Regis Toomey. Ed- 
gar Kennedy, 'Murder on the Black- 
board/ RKO. .. , 

Maidel Turner, Sara Haden, *Vir- 
gie Winters/ RKO. 

Nigel Bruce, • 
MG. 

Richard Tucker, Gregory Gave, 
Helen Flint, 'Merry Andrew/ Fox. 

Tom McGuire, Reginald Mason, 
•Call It Luck/ Fox. 

TJtia O'Connor, 'Barretts of Wim- 
pole Street/ Metro. 
, G. P. Huntley, 'Little Man, What 
Now?' U. 

Margaret Lindsay, 'Hey, / 
WB. 

Harry Knight, production man- 
ager; Dorothy Burgess, Kenneth 
Thomson, George Meeker, 'Broad- 
way Virgin/ Major. 

Harry C. Bradley, 'Sadie Mckee,' 
MG; ... ■ ■ 

Oscar Apfei, 'Sour 
Grapes/ RKO : 

Halliwell Hobbes, 'Du Barry/ WB. 

William Walker, Robert Warwick;. 
Renee Whitney, 'Old Doll's House,.' 
WB. 

Joe Sherman, ; 
Metro. 

Albertina Rasch and 24 dancing 
glrs, 'Du Barry/ WB. 

Richard Castle, 'Merry Widow/ 
MG. ■ - ' 

Ray Enrlght, directing story se- 
quences, .'Dames/ WB. 

PurrieU Pratt, William Davidson, 
Ben Hendricks, Jr., 'Old Doll's 
House,' WB. 

Gladys Unger, screen play, red 
Upon the Waters/ U. 

Maurice Black, 'Alias the Deacon,' 
U. 

Ula Guy, *Du Barry/ WB. 
William Augustln, 'Three Men/ 
MG. 

Arthur Aylesworth, Hobart Cava- 
naugh, Leila Bennett, 'Dames/ WB. 

Dell Henderson, 'One Hundred 
Percent,' MG. 

Larry Ceballos, revamping dance 
numbers, 'Murder at the Vanities/ 
Par. ' 



Ellalee Ruby, 'Embarrassing Mo- 
ments,' U. 

Sylvia Pickette, Thrown From the 
Nest/ Warren Doane comedy, U. 

Max Alexander, 'Decent/ Beacon. 

Julian Josephson, 'Debutante/ Par. 

H. M. Walker, scripting 'Today 
We Live/ U. 

Henry Myers, scripting 'Missis- 
sippi/ Par. 

Winifred Dunn; scripting' an orijy 
for. Raul Roullen, Fox. 

Jack Norton, Snub Pollard; . Cupid 
Morgan, 'Alfred Jones, Henry Sed- 
ley, Robert Greig, 'Cockeyed Cava- 
liers/ RKO. . 

Samson . Raphaelson, scripting 
'Caravan/ Fox. 

John Monk Saunders, ..scripting 
orig 'Manners Maketh Man,' MG. 

Mary Forbes, Pat O'Malley, ?Now 
I'll Tell/ Fox. • 

William Stack, Manhattan Melo- 
drama/ MG. 

Edward H. Griffith, i- 
ography/ MG. 

Jeannette Loff, Eddie Foy, Jr.. 
Don Barclay, untitled musical,. 
Roach. 

Garnett . Weston, scripting 'Grease 
Paint/ Par. 

Richard C jstle,- 'The Merry Wid- 
ow/. MG. . 

. .Charles Butterworth, 'No More 
Ladies/ Metro. 

Arthur Jarrett, Earl Oxford, Flo- 
xine McKinney, 'Merry Widow.' 
Metro. 

Mickey Rooney, Jimmy Butler, 
prolog 'Manhattan Melodrama/ 
Metro. ■ 




'Dodsworth'— Favorable 

'PODSWORTH' (Drama, Max Gordon, Shubert). Best seller as a 
novel, indicated hit for stage and should be exceptional for the screen, 

Ibee. 



Contracts 



Hollywood; April 2. 

Willla'ni Wyler draws new pact 
at Universal, with ticket providing 
substantial Increase. ' 

Larry Weingarten new covenant 
at Metro. 

Paramount has handed stock pact 
to Lillian Moore, recently on the 
Hal Roach list. 

Metro has handed hew writing 
contract to Monckton Hoffe. 

Metro has taken up the option oh 
Otto Kruger and Mae Clark, both 
with a substantial Increase in sal- 
ary. Deals handled by Leo Mor- 
rison. 



Title Changes 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Warners haa re-tagged 'The Kay* 
calling it Thft Isle of Fury/ . 

'Great Magoo' at Paramount Is 
now 'Thank Your Stars/ 

Warners' "Without Honor* changed 
to 'He Was Her Man.' 

'Grease Paint' has been discarded 
for 'The Old-Fashioned Way/ 



•RAGGED ARMY' 
screen. 



rmy'-— Unfavorable 

rosby Gaige, 



•'Top Much Party'-^-Uhfavorable 

'TOO MUCH PARTY' (Comedy-drama, Metropolitan 
Can be: wrapped up or thrown:, away. 



'Masque 
Ibee. 



'Yellow. Jack' — Unfavorable 
'YELLOW JACK' (Drama, Guthrie, McCllntic, Beck). 
More a history than a drama. Perhaps a scientific romance but hardly 
exciting. icts. discovery of yellow fever's ori ' Ibee. 



'The Perfumed Lady'- — Unfavorable 

'THE PERFUMED LADY* (Farce. Wee & Leventhal, Ambassador). 
Slight 'story, insufficient for stage or screen purposes. Kay}. 



'When, in Rome'— Unfavorable 

'WHEN IN ROME* (Satire. George Smithfleld. 49th St.). Modern 
vet- ion of life, in Rome, but hot funny. Hopeless for films. Kauf. 



'Another Love'— Unfavorable 

•ANOTHER LOVE* (Comedy, Stiefel and Lewis, Vanderbilt). Done 
in Paris as 'Etienne' and tried out here under that title. Sexy but story 
hai-dly adaptable to screen. Ibee. 



'Gentlewoman' — Unfavorable 

•GENTLEWOMEN? (Comedy drama, Group theatre, and D. A. 
Cort); Story of a radical in a drawing room for sex purposes, 
look aimed for Hollywood. 



■The Pure in Heart'— Unfavorable 

•THE PURE IN HEART' (Drama, Aldrlch and De Llagre, Longacre); 
Impressionistic and opaque. Not suited either for stage or screen. 

Ibee. 



The Shattter'd Lamp'— Unfavorable 
•THE SHATTERED LAMP* (Drama, Maxine Elliott's. Hyman Adler). 
Anti-Nazi play showing destruction of a peace-loving family and entry 
of the Hitler terror. Too biased for film use. Kauf. 



'One More Honeymoon'— Unfavorable 

•ONE MORE HONEYMOON' .(Farce. Nicholson , and Brown, Little). 
No chance for stage or screen. Ibee. 



Lewis Stone's <1<X)%' 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Lewis Stone, has been assigned 
featured part in '100 Per Cent Pure' 
at MetrOi 

Upon completion of his role In 
that picture, he moves into a top 
spot in cast of 'Treasure island' 
(M-G). 



Rogers 9 Next 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Following 'Merry Andrew/ Will 
Rogers will do 'County Chairman' 
at Fox based on the George Ade 
yarn of that title. 

Walter Woods who wrote the 
script for Rogers' "David Harum' la 
adapting the story. 




HI 




ITO 






The 1934 Film Year Book Is Now Being Distributed 

To All Film Daily Subscribers 



Here are fifteen of the many important subjects 
covered in this amazing book 



1— 1933 Releases with credits. 

2— 13,905 Titles of pictures released since 1915. 

3— Full Text of NRA Codes of Fair Competition. 

4— Birthdays and Birthplaces of motion picture people. 

5— Complete list of theatres; 

6— Financial data on leading companies. 

7— Court Decisions of 1933. 

15— Names and addressee of 



8— Personnel of companies and organizatroiis. 

9— Comprehensive exploitation section. 
10— Equipment Buying Guide. 

1 1 —Complete Foreign Section. 

12— List of Theater Circuits. 

13— Original Titles of Books and Plays. 

14— rWork of Players, Directors, Writers, Cameramen. 
Producers, Distributors, etc. 



and 



1001 OTHER ITEMS OF 
USEFUL INFORMATION 



r 



the: film daily service 
includes: 

Film Daily six days each week. 
Film Daily Short Subject Quartern 
The 1934 FILM YEAR BOOK. 
All Special Editions; 

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30 



VARIETY 



i . - 

PICT 



E S 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



Hollywood Productions 



Week of April 2 

(Pictures now-filming, or about to ^^>r« Msted belo^^pK^ically 
by studios. Symbols are: D— Director, A-^Authpr, C—Cameraman.) 



Patriotism 



•World Moves Oh' 
.(7th" 'week)' 
p — John Ford 
A- — Reginald Berkeley 
O — (5oo. SflinelOermai) 
Cast: 

Madeleine Carroll 
Franchbt Tone 
Reginald Donny 
Haul R.o'u.llcn 
Louise Drpsser 
5-ilpgfrled Bumann. 
F: Sctium'ann-Helnk 
Brehdn.'.- Fowler. 
Marcclle Cordiiy 
Itarry Norton- • 
Dudley Dlgges : 
Frank Melton 
Russell Simpson. 
Claude King : 
Ivan Sslrnpaon 
Jose ojloa . 
IiUnisden flare" 
Walter McGrtill 
Charles BasMn 
Frank Mornn 
Oso. Irving 
Oi'onu>tle Rhodes 
Stepln Fetch-it 
•ChiiJic:* of Heurt' 
(,1th week) 
D^John I lystono 
A — Kathleen Norrls 
Sonya Levjen 
JameS Gleason 
C— Hat Mohr. 
Cast: 

Janet Gnynor • 
Charle3 Fnrrell 
James Dunn 
Ginger Rogers 

eryl Mo.rcer 
(Justav von £ey 
Ir^ne Franklin 
Flpl:e O'Ha'ra 
Jane Harwell' 
Nella Wr.lker 
Drue I.^yton 
, Kenneth 1 Thomson 
Mary Carr ■ 
Barbara Barondess 
.Shirley Temple 
Theodor vori Eltz- 
'Merry Andrew* 
(3rd week) 
D — David- JJutl'er 
A— Lewis. Beach' 
K.ubee Glasmon 
Wm.. Conselman 
Henry Johnson- 
C— Arthur ' IITer * " 
Cast: 

Will Rogers 
Peggy. Wood ' 
Mary Carlisle 
Paul Htftvey 
Frank Molt oh. 
Roger Imhof -. 
Robert Taylor 
GtaqerGooaail 
Jessie Prlngle : 
Conchita Montenegro 
•Call It tack' 
" (2nd week) 
D-^Jamcs Tlnllng 
A—Dudley Nichols 
'Geo. Marshall- 
'Joseph 'Cunningham 
Harry McCoy 
Lamar Trottl 
C— JoBeph Valentine 
Cast: 

Herbert Mundln 
•Pat' Paterson 
Charles Starrett 
Georgia Calne 
Gordon Westcott 
Theodore voh Eltz- 
Krnost Wood 
Ray Mayer' 
* Susan Fleming 
METRO 
'Sadie McKee' 
tilth week) 
D — Clarence Brown 
A — Vina Delmar 

John Meehan 
C — Oliver Marsh 
Cast: 

Joan Crawford 
'Franchot Tone 
Esther ' Ralston 
Jean' Dixon 
Edward. Arnold 
Aklm Tamlroft ' 
Gene Austin 
I.eo White 
I.eo Carroll 
Earl Oxford 
Gene Raymond 
•Operator Thirteen' 
(7th week)- . 
D — R'chard BoleslaV3ky 
A— -Pobert W. Chambers 
•Harvey '. Thew 
. £elda Seal's 
. Eve Greene' 
C— : George Folsey 
Cast. .' 

Marion Davles 
Gary' ' Cooper 
Douglas' Dumbrllle 
Kot'herlne Alexander 
Ted ' ealy 
Russell- Hardle 
Mills Brothers 
Wlllard Robertson 
Belle Daube 
Reginald Barlow ... 
Francis McDonald- 
. 'Jay Lloyd'- 
Fuzzy Knight -. 
Henry Wadsworth 
Jean Parker 
Sidney Tolor' 
Samuel Hinds 
Robt. .McWade 
^Manhattan Melodrama 1 
. (5th week) 
I> — W. S. Van Dyke 
A — Arthur Caesar 

Joseph ManUlewIcz 
Oliver II. P. Garrett 
C— James Howe, 
Cast: 

• Wm. Powell 
Clark Gable 
Myrna Loy 
Nat Pendleton 
..Muriel Evans 
- — — —-T ommy-- JaClisQP^^^ 



Isabel Jewell 
Leo Carrlllo 
'Treasure Island' 
(3rd week) 
D — "Victor Fleming ■ 
A— Robert Louis Stevenson 

John Lee Man In 
C — Ray June 
Cast: 

Wallace Beery 
Jackie Cooper 
Lionel Barry.more. 
Otto" K~ruger 
Dorothy Peterson 
Wm. V. Mong 
Douglas Durhbrllle 
Cora Sue Collins ' 



itrretts of Wlinnolc 8t.' 

(3rd week): 
D— Sidney Frdnkiln, 
A — ICudolf. Uesier 

CMuudlnp West 

Ernest Vajda 
.Donald -Ogden. 
c— AVm. Daniels 
Oast: 

Norma Shearer . 

Charles LnUghtoh ^ 

Maureen. O'Sulllvart. 

Ferdinand Munler 

Fr'edrlc March 

Katharine. Alexander 

•106% Pnre' 
fist week), 

D— Sam Wood 
A— ^Arilta Loos 

John Kmerson 
Cast:- 

Jean Harlow 
Lionel Barryrhore 
I'at.sy Kelly. 
PARAMOUNT 
•It Ain't No Sin' 
(4th week) 

D— Leo MoCarey 

A — Mae West 

0— Karl Struss 

Cast: 

Mae .West 
KoKer Pryor 
John Mack Brown 
Katherlne DeMltle 
John MUJan 
'James Donlan 
Stuart. Holmes 
Harry Woods . 
K'dward • Gargan 
Frederick Burton 
August ' Anderson 
HaU Way Decent' 
(5th week) 

D— Alexander Hall 
A— Damon Runyon 
Wm. R. Llpmah 
.Sam Hellman 
Gladys Lehman 
C— Al G.ilks 
Cast: 

Adolph Menjou 
Dorothy Dell 
Charles Bickford 
Shirley Temple 
Lynne Overman 
Frank McGlynn, 
Jack Sheehan ' ' 
Gary Owen 
Sleep 'N Eat (W. 
Puggy White 
Tammany Young 
Sam Hardy 
Edward Earle 
John Kelly 
'Warren Hymer 
Frank Conroy. 
James Burke 
Lucille Ward 
Crauford Kent 
'Cleopatra.' 
(4th week) 
D— Cecil . DeMllle 
A-^Barlett Cormack 
Waldemar Young 
. . Vincent Lawrence 
C— Victor MUner 
Cast : 

Clatidette Colbert 
Warren William 
Henry Wllcoxoh 
Gertrude Michael 
Joseph Schlldkraut 
Ian Keith 
C. Aubrey Smith 
Charles B. Mlddleton 
Clay Clement 
Leonard Mudle 
Irving Plchel ' 
Claudia Dell 
Eleanor Phelps 
Grace . Durkln 
John 1 Rutherford 
Edwin Maxwell 
Robert Warwick 
'Thank Your Stan' 
(1st week) 

D-r-Wesley RUggles. 
A-^-Ben Hocht 

Gene Fowler 
C*— Leo Tover' 
Cast: 

Jack Oakle 

Dorothy Dell 

Roscoe, Karns 

Arllne' Judge 

Ben Bernle -. 

Alison Sklpworth 

Randolph Scott 

'Private Scandal' 
(4th week) 

D — Ralph Murphy 
A— Vera Caspary . . 
Bruce Manning 
Brian Mariow 
Agnes C. Johnson 
Joseph 'Gollbmb 
C— MUton Krasna 
Cast: 

Mary Brian 
Phillips Hoi 
Hazu Pitts, 
Ned • Sparks N 
' June Brewster, 
hew -.Cody 
Charles Sellon- 
Jed Prouty - 
Harold Waldrldge 
Rollo Lloyd 
George Guhl 
Clias. Mlddleton 
John. Qualen ' 
Hans Joby , 
Greta Meyer 
Christian' Rub 
Bill Franey 
'Thirty Day Princess' 
(6th week) 
D-r-Marlon Ger4ng. 
A— ^Clarence fi. Kelland 
Preston Sturges 
Frank Partes 
Sam Hellman 
Edwin Justus Mayer 
0 — Leon . Shamroy 
Cast: 

< Sylvia Sidney 
Cary Grant 
=~BdWard-%Arnold — 
Henry Stephenson 
Edgar Norton' 
Ray Walker 
Luclen Littlefleld 
• Robert McWade 
George Baxter 
Marguerite Namara 
.Eleanor— : Wesselh'oeII 
.Ered^clc Sullivan ■ 
Robert Homans 
William Augustln 
. ,Ed. Dearlpg.. 
Bruce Warren 
William Arnold 
Dick Rush 
J. Merrill Holmes 
Thomas Monk 



•Many Happy Returns' 
(3rd week) 

D— Norman MqLoooV . 
A—Lady Mary i.'anipron 
C — Henry. Sharp 
Cast: 

■ Oracle Allen 
George TBurhs 
George Bdrbler 
Joan Marsh 
. Ray. Mllland- 
Egon. Brecher 
William Demarest 
John Arthur : 
Franklin Pangborn 
Morgan Wallace 
Kenneth Thomson 
Guy Lombardo 
Larry Adl'er 
'She toves Me Not':- 
(1st. week) 
D — Elliott Nugent 
A— Howard Lindsay 

Edward Hppe 
C — Chas. Lange 
Cast: 

Rljig Crosby. 
Miriam Hopkins 
Kitty Carlisle 
Edward Nugent 
' -Lynne Overman 
Warren Hymer 
Gertrude .Michael 
Maude Turner Gordon 
'Grease Paint* 
(1st week) 

b — William Beaudlne 
A-^W. C. Fields 
Cast: 

W. C. Fields 
Joe Morrison 
'Kiss and Make Up' 
(1st week) 

D— ^Harlan Thomson 
A— Stephen BekefS 
Cast: 

Cary Grant- 
Carole .Lomh.ard.- 
Helen Mack 
Edw. Everett 
RADIO 
Unman Bondage . 
. (7th week) 
D — ^Joh'n Cromwell 
A — Somerset Maugh 

Tester Cohen 
C— Henry Gerard 
Cast: . 

Leslie Howard 
Bette Davis - 
Reginald Denny 
Alan Hale 
Reginald Owen 
Frances Dee 
Kay Johnson 
Reginald Sheffield 

•Family Man' 

(1st week) 
D — Johhdon Ro/bertson 
A— Harry HerVey 
Cast:- 

Richard Dlz 
Barbara Kent 
•Sbnr Grapes' 

(1st week) 
T> — Worthlngtoir Miner 

.'Geo. Nlcholls 
A— Ernest Pascal 

OfitBt J 

Cllve -Brook 
Diana Wyhyard 
-Bruce. Cabot'. 
Ada Cabell 
'Great American Harem' 
(1st week) 
D— Bill Selter 
A— Helperln Bros. 

Marlon DIx 
Cast: 

Pert Kelton 
SkeetB Gallagher 

'Cockeyed Cavaliers' 
(2nd week) 
D — Mark Sapdrlch 
A — Edward Kaufman 
Ben Holmes 
Ralph. Spencer 
Cast: 

Bert Wheeler 
Robert Woolsey 
Thelma 'Todd 
Dorot-hy Lee 

•Vergle 'Winters' 
(let week) 

D — Al San tell 
O&st ' ' 

' Ann Harding 
John Boles ' 
'Murder on the Blackford' 

(1st week) 
XH-Geo. Archlbaud 
Cast: 

..Edna May Oliver 
•Down- to the' Last Yacht' 

(1st week) 
D — Paul Sloan 
Cast:- 

Sidney Fox 
Mary Boland - 
Ned Sparks 
Polly Moran 
UNIVERSAI, 
'JBmbarrassIng Moments' 

(8rd week) ' 

D— Eld. Laemmle 
A— rW.m. Anthony icGuIre 
Gladys Unger 
Chas. - Logue - 
C— Chas. Stumar 
Cast: 

Chester Morris 
. Marian Nixon 
Walter Woolf . 
Huntley Gordon 
Alan Mowbray 
John Wray 
' Georgle Stone 
Henry Armetta 
Gay Seabrook 
Herman Blqg 
Evelyn Beresford 
Chas. Coleman 
Jane Datwell 
Ed. Earle 
Chrlstlen Frank 
Carl Miller '. 
=WnlllB"Clgrlr^ J — ' 1 



Los Angeles, April 2. 
Little heard of town of Latn- 
• pasas,. Tex., located In" the 
Panhandle, will probably cop 
honors a6 having greatest 
\ percentage : of population' In 
attendance at MPTOA con- 
vention here next week. Town 
of. 2,709 inhabitants has one 
pic house, a. 585 setter* 

Its delegation; to convention 
includes Mr. and Mrs, Roy 
Walker, their two daughters, 
Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Englebfecht 
and C. H. DeWolf. .Pic house 
Will function for balance of 
population while operators are 
here. 



WEST POINT SEQUEL 



To Annapolis Pic^-RKO to Feature 
Bruce Cabot 



APPEAL DAY OFF LAW 

Pacific Theatres Co. Hits At Labor 
Bureau Ruli 



F&M ST. LOUIS MOVE 
NEARS CLOSING POINT 



.Hollywood, 
RKO will make a film, based on 
cadet life at West Point, with Bruce 
Cabot, featured, idea is prompted 
by the b.o. reception of 'Midship- 
man Jack,' RKO's Annapolis yarn 
which also had Cabot topping. 

Glen AUvlne who produced the 
Navy picture' and. Christy Cabannc 
who directed, will be in the same 
spots in the production of the Army 
story- 



San Diego, Cal., April 2. 
Ruling by the State Labor Bureau 
ofll.ee here upholding" the con- 
stitutionality of a state law passed 
in 1893, that makes it mandatory 
for employers to give help one day 
off in every seven, regardless of 
position or salary received, and. ex- 
cepted only by emergency, will be 
abpeaied to the highest California 
tribunals by Pacific National 
Theatres Co., against whpm decision 
was rendered; 

• Labor Bureau ruling followed, a 
hearing, after, an unidentified em- 
ployee of one of the circuit's 
theatres here, had complained that 
the employers ' were violating the 
43 -year-old statute, and were de- 
priving him of his weekly of 
rest. 

Circuit attorneys based their 
argument in opposition the 
ground that there was no clear cut 
definition made of just what con- 
stitutes labor, and furthermore; 
there is nothing to indicate -what 
an emergency is. . 

Ruling of the bureau will have 
an important bearing on working 
conditions in virtually every theatre 
in California if the obsolete law. is 
upheld in the "courts.. 



, April 2! 
operation of 
in St. Louis 



Fanchon . & Marco 
three ace pic' houses 
moved a step nearer with tho re- 
ceipt of telegraphic advices from 
Harry Koplar, F&M associate In that 
city, that the bondholders' 
mittee of the three houses involved. 
Grand Central, Ambassador 
Missouri', had' sent letters of the ac- 
ceptance 6f the Koplar bid and re- 
organization plans to the Individ- 
ual bondholders, and that only a 
few routine matters remained to .be 
cleared up. 

Operation by F&M is expected to 
begin around April 15. 



DELUXER HOUSES CARS 



One-time F-WC Spot Used 
Inside Parking 



For 



Essaness Adds 

Chicago, Apr! 2. . 
Essanes^ has . taken over the Vic- 
toria theatre, on the • northside, 
bringing their list of hquses to 26. 

Circuit takes, over operation some 
time in July and will completely re- 
model,. Understood house is leased 
to - the Easiness group for seven 
years at a rental of $10,000 annually. 



Setting Tower Output 

Hollywood, . April 2. 
Joe Simmonds, president of Tower 
Productions, left here * Saturday 
night (31) for New York to set next 
year's program. 

Premier Attractions, producing, 
outfit for Tower, has- completed its 
current year's schedule.. 



GLUGKSMjurS FEATURE 

Mentone Productions, E. M 
Gucksman's shorts, producing out- 
fit, Is spreading out with a feature 
picture 'The World Revolts,' a com 
pilatlon of revolutionary activity 
throughout the world. 

Being <?ut and authored by Emil 
Lengyel, musical setting by Milton 
Schwartz wald and Gregory Stone. 



Story Bays 



Hollywood, April 2. 
'Cheating Cheaters' talker rights 
have been acquired by Universal 
which made the Max Marcln play 
in 1926. 

Carl Laemmle, Jr., has closed for 
film rights to 'Long Live The 
Queen,' French novel by Saga 
Lardin. Universal will use yarn as 
starring vehicle for Gloria Stuart 

Warners have taken 'Story of a 
Country Boy,' novel by Dawn Pow 
ell. 

Gustav Meyerek's The Golem' 
has been acquired by Universal. Pic 
was produced in- Germany In silent: 
form 12 years ago. 

Metro has taken 'Blossom Time 1 
from the Shuberts, for an under 
stood price of $40,000 and 5% of 
gross take for the screen rights.. 



Coast Hearings 

(Continued from page 7) 
Casey committee, but to date it has 
hot functioned, due, Casey asserts, 
to lack of definite authority and 
functioning facilities. 

Judge Lindsey and Casey had a 
number of . conferences as to how 
these beefs should be handled most 
expedltious.lyi and as tp where au 
thorlty lay. Casey informed Llnd 
sey that the producers, whom he 
represents, while they had no Ob 
ections to Lindsey, did not concede 
him the authority to act. It was to 
clear this point that Lindsey had 
Creel wire Rosenblatt and secure 
specific and unequivocable powers 
to proceed. Rosenblatt's dictum was 
that Lindsey as Labor Compliance 
Director was to go ahead and hear 
cases .until such time as. the Studio 
Labors Committee should function. 

First step to be taken at the Lind- 
sey hearings Is . to reach an agree<- 
ment with respondents and their 
legal reps to have the. complaints 
considered wholesale, by classifica- 
tion, rather than individually. Find 
ing in one test case would then ap 
ply to all of the same nature and" 
would save ah enormous amount of 
time. Several major studios, 'it is. 
understood, have already expressed 
their willingness, state NRA Offi- 
cials, to abide by findings in this 
collective, method, once the disputed 
point has been settled in principle 
Conciliation Table 
Procedure at the Lindsey hear- 
ings is that squawking employes 
and studio reps will meet with a 
minimum of formality at the; con- 
ciliation table. It is Lindsey's pur 
pose and" function to attempt to 
iron out the disputes amicably and 
in a spirit of give and take. Only 
in event that violations of the code 
and the basic National Industrial 
Recovery Act are proved and per 
siste'd in, with refusal to settle 
through conciliatory methods, will 
cases be referred to Washington for 
prosecution under the established 
machinery of the Department of 
Justice. 



Los Angeles, April 2. 
Alhambra, one-time F-WC down- 
town deiuxer, "and more recently 
operated for a short time by indie 
interests, has been transformed into 
an inside parking station. 

Chain company, operating 
place, is utilizing, the house mar- 
quee for its name and sales, argu- 
ments. 



Readying 'Yacht' 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Tunesmlthing by Ann RohrielV 
Burton and. Jason, and Sidney 
Mitchell and Cliff Friend has al- 
ready set four melodies and lyrics 
around which, the Lou Brock pic,. 
Down to Their Last Yacht', is be- 
ing built for early production at 
RKO. 

Miss Ronnell is credited with two 
songs and other two* teams with 
on each. Paul Sloane. will direct 
the fllmuslcal, which is to be given 
a South Sea- background. 



Hartford's Sundays In? 

Hartford, Conn., April 2. 
After being .without Sunday films 
for more than 25 years Hartford 
may once again see flickers for 
matinees. 

An intensive campaign , has been 
waged locally,, and. meeting resist- 
ance by the clergy, theatre mana- 
gers will have their session on April 
9 with the city fathers. From all 
indications it. appears that the locals 
will win. 



Hess Fuller, Brushes 

Hollywood, \ 1 2. 
Jack Hess will make, a commer- 
cial film for the Fuller Brush Co. 

Former p.a. is trying to get James 
Cagney, Lee; Tracy or Chester Mor- 
ris for. the featured part of the man 
Who calls at the door. 



WEAVEE-BEOWN C0LLAB 

Hollywood, April 2. 
John Y. A*. Weaver, playwright, is 
back in • pictures again. He Ib at 
Fox Western writing an original 
based on an idea by Lew Brown. 

Story is for James Dunn and 
Shirley Temple, 



'Affairs of a Gentleman' 
(1st vveek) 
D — Edwin L. Marin 
A— Edith & Ed. Ellis 
' Cyril Hume 

Peter JRurlc 
0 — Johii Mescal- 
Oast: 

Paul Lukas 

Leila Hyams 

Patricia Ellis . 

Onslow Stevens 

Phillip Heed 

Dorothy Burgess 

Lillian Bond 

Joyce Compton 



Murray Kinnell 
Dorothy ' X«Balre' - 
Richard Carle 
Wilfred Harl 
Sara Haden 
Charles Wilson 
Gregory. Gays ' 
Uttle Man, What Now t' 

(3rd week) 

J> — Frank Borzage 
I A — Wm. . Anthony McGulre 
C — Norman Brodlne 
Cast: ' 

Margaret Sullavan 

Douglas Montgomery 

Alan Hale 

Catharine Doucet . 

DeWItt Jennings 

Bodll Rosing 

Muriel Klrkland 

Donald HayneB 

Geo. Meeker 

Paul Mil 

Carlos de Voider 
==^=Hedda— Hopper^^^^ 

Fred Kohler 

Mae Marsh' 

Sarah Padden 

Tom Rlcketts 

Frank Relcher 

Murray Kinnell 

_^ WAKH£KS 

Dames' 
(ftrd week) 

D — Ray Khrlght 

Busby Berkeley 
A — Robert Lofd 

Delmer Daves 
C — George Barnes 
Cant: 



Dick Powell 
Ruby K'eeler 
Joan Blondell 
Guy Klbbee 
Hugh Herbert 
Ronnie Cosby 
Arthur Vinton. 
Bess Flower. 
Pat O'Malley 
Zazu Pitts 

'Old Doll's noosr' 
<3rd week) 

D — Alan Crosland 
A — Damon Runyon 

Warreli Duff 
C — Wm. Rees 
Cast: 

Richard Barlhclmcas 
Ann Dvorak 
Helen Lowell 
Helen Chandler 
Harry Tyler 
Henry O'Neill 
ttobert Btrrat 
^^Vlnc?nr^ShT!rnnin'===' 
Eric Wilton 
Robt. McWade 
Paul Hurst 
Boot-he Howard 
'Hey, Sailor' 
(1st week) 
D 1 — Lloyd Bacon- -v 
A— Al Cphn 

Ben Markson 
Oast:" 

James Cagney 
Pat O'Brien 
'Dark Tower' 
(Cth week) 
D— Archie Mayo 



A— -Geo; S, Kaufman' 
Alexander - Woollcott 
Tom Reed ; 
Nlven Busoh 

C^-Tohy Gaudio 

«:ast: 

fklward Robinson 
Mary Astor. 
Ricardo Cortez 
Arthur Byron 
Louis Calhern 
Dorothy Treo. 
David Landau 
Henry O'Neill 
John Eldredge 
Virginia Sale 
-Margaret Dale 
-Mae Clarke 
Harry Tyler 
lOmlly Fltzroy 
'Madame Da Barry' 
(2nd week) 

D— Wm. Dieterie 
A — Edward Chodorov 
= C^Sorro'lfto^ " " 



Cast: 



Dolores Del Rio 
Reginald Owen 
Osgood -Perkins 
Ferdinand Gbttschulk 
Verree Teasdale 
.victor.. J ory . 
Maynard Holmes 
Dorothy Tree •■' 
Helen Lowell 
Ho bar t Cavanatigh 
Anita Louise 
Henry O'Neill 
Arthur Treacher 
Cam 111 e Rovelle 
•l^arlna' 



Codona Quits 



(Continued from page 1) 

wife, Vera Bruce, is the third mem- 
ber of the act. 

Hard luck has dogged Alfredo 
since his former wife, Lillian Liet- 
zel, was killed in "a fall from the 
trapeze while appearing In Stock- 
holm. He had investments in prop- 
erty which was later destroyed in 
the coast earthquakes. 

Because of lively advance ticket 
sales understood the Ringling show 
will remain at the Garden for more 
than four weeks," although It to 
billed for. three weeks and two dayfl\ 
(March 30 to April 22) before going 
into the Boston Garden. So positive 
were the circus heads that the show 
would open IfiSt-Ffiday^that nhe 
paper : was dated and posted before 
the hockey game which eliminated 
the Rangers from the ohampton- 
shlpSi Reported that Samuel W. 
Gumpertz, general ,manaEsr_pf._tbe 
outfit, set the premiere date last, 
fall after the hockey games were 
set and the play-off dates fixed. 
Had the Rangers' lost, the opening 
would have been off until late this 
week. 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934, VARIETY SI 




32 



VARIETY 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



-1 




A 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



VARIETY 



I— 




R E 



it's t h- 



best 



o w 



i n 



town! 



54 



VARIETY 



V4RIEY1 HOUSE REVIEWS 



Tuesday, April 3 t 1934 



PALACE, CHICAGO 

(Continued from page' 16) 
burns, Lahrs, ad infinitum. Miss 
Barrett goes at them with a bit 
more gusto and considerably more 
bitterness, but it's basically the 
same turn' as done by dozens of 
other performers. Miss' Barrett- tak- 
ing digs in her impressions and 
stuff like that always impresses an 
audience as a toy dbg yapping at 
the paws of a St. Bernard. 

Three acts gone without any real 
start to the vaude show and then, 
the Buddy Rogers routine to com- 
plete. To this audience It ! s only 
four acts no matter how . you .figure' 
it. At the State-Lake and Oriental 
they get six and seven turns be- 
sides a line of girls. 

Rogers is carrying, besides 16 
men in the band, several of whom 
double, the dancing Dixie Dunbar 
and a male warbler. In the band is 
Raymond Baird," who has been do- 
ing a single musical act in vaude. 
Baird has a soloist spot for himself 
to ripple through his hot saxophone 
and double saxophone routine. He 1 
was a standout; ' Rogers "is letting 
a lot in the band go to. waste. With 
16 persons in the outfit he should 
get more out of them. Half the. 
time the boys sit there doing noth-,. 
ing. Rogers has the ; makings of aj 
full flash and band turn there' and] 
a bit of rearranging : should- do it: 
Act finishes with, the ; Rogers one- 
man band flourish. :••< 

Business sadly flabby. «at the last 
show Friday, with the sides and 
back of house yawning in discour- 
aging emptiness 1 . Loop? 

HIPP, BALTIMORE 

Baltimore, March 30. r 
Nice little line-up the Hipp is bf.-| 
ferlng as its participation 1 in the, 
burg's Easter amusement. parade.} 
Just four acts, but the last presents; 
that vet sure-flrer,. Soph: Tucker,) 
and preceding her, Lester Allen,! 
The opening, pair are. agreeably! 
Worthy and the bill -stacks up as) 
appropriately varied. > 
■ Stage show "will have , to carry the: 
b;o., the pic being f Sing and Like It\: 
At show glimmed, second on open- 
jg day, the combination, of Good 
riday and Passover had the barn 
greatly resembling the Polo iGrounds: 
on a Christmas morning; Didn't: 
appear over 300 head in the pews,i 
and the acts had a job needling; 
even, that ■ scattering out -'of its' 
Spring- fevered lethargy.. -.It was' 
pretty brutal breasting, all the way,, 
and the manner in, which the piU 
built and . gathered momentum . till 
thel Tucker turn biffed 'eni out. ,of 
their chairs speaks a volume ■■'ffljr 
the act's capabilities. 

Opener, Ruiz and Bonjta, . dance 
flash. In the deuce, Whitey a : nd 
Ed Ford. . ,*• . 

Lester Allen, arid blonde foil,: 
Joyce White, bit' off a quarter-hour: 
chunk of show before the houSe« 
drop in 'one'. Skimpy, attendance; 
hurt effect comic .. might have in-': 
duced, and he might' profitably cut 
some singing and lengthen, his One 
bit of monolog that he takes while 
femme chases to change garb. Gives 
'em an oke. f.cro hoof- session, and 
works smoothly, if familiarly, With 
Miss White. 

Sophie Tucker wrapped it up 
from entrance. Opened with a 
characteristic prelusory chant, then 
gave 'em 'Louisville Lady'. .Here 
intro'd a new song which she's 
warming up for her coming Euro- 
pean trek, a paraphrased 'Dream 
Walking'. In her best manner, and 
that means with ultra savoir faire, 
the song is right up her alley. Ted 
Shapiro peered over the Steinway 
for his straightjng. Did 17 mlns, 
and had difficulty getting chance 
to scoot.. ' 

Complementing screen feature 
and vaudeville, there is Pathe hews, 
an Audio Review and an overture 
by Felice Iula's pit aggregation. 



APOLLO, N. Y. 

This is far from What might be 
expected in a colored show play- 
ing on a gf lnd. with last run picture 
for 35c top on 125th street. Down- 
town reports iwere, that it was col- 
ored' burlesque arid hot. It's riot 
burlesque and it's clean. 

Sidney Cohen, who has the Fox, 
Brooklyn, too, and also is in on 
the big Roxy, took the former Hur- 
tig & Seamon's- Apollo over recently 
when the Minskys' le.t it go. It had. 
been a burlesque house for years. 

Shows, staged by Clarence Rob^ 
inson, »• are all-colored, changing 
weekly and running about an hour 
in stage band fashion, - On the 
show caught, besides the. band and 
, were three dancing acts, .two 
comedians, a straight nian, talk- 
ing" woman and an m.ev Latter was 
.Ralph Cooper, formerly of Rector 
and ' Cooper and latterly in vaude 
with his own. band. He was vamp- 
^ingi tilLxeady onr Uxis bill, doing jxo 
dancing or Other specialty work, but 
m.c.'ing the show pleasantly and .in 
showmanly fashion. 

The whole layout is exceptionally 
clean-looking, as well as moral. 
Until Lethla Hill comes on neixt- 
— to~-xl6sirig, Hff Irefits the featured 
member, there isn't even anything 
that verges , on the blue. Only the 
slightest suggestion of bumps from 
the line. Bessie Dudley, former 
partner of Snakehlps Tucker, Was 



the only one in the show going on 
the muscle. 

Production has an 'idea' of the 
typical presentation sort, show be- 
ing tagged 'Chocolate Bojf revue. 
After the lid of a large prop candy 
box is raised to reveal the band, 
everybody forgets about it and goes 
to work. 

Line of Iff girls is good enough to 
rate better costuming. They are 
spirited, which is Only to be ex- 
pected in a colored show,- but they 
are also well trained and adept at 
precision work, which is unusual. 
They, work hard and often. 

A dark comic who makes it even 
darker with Cork bears the sweet 
sounding first name of Garbage- 
full name is Garbage Rogers. A 
funny guy that, with material, 
Would be funny downtown as. -well. 
Between Garbage and a fat hoy, 
Who probably is the Troy BrOwri of 
the billing, this show has more than 
the customary amount of comedy 
in colored entertainment. . 

Garbage's big .moment is a Har- 
lemesque version of .'Irish . Justice,' 
in Which' Garbage- as a' Judge in bad 
humor starts things off by sen- 
tencing himself to four years. Scene 
is stretched Out like an Unbangi's 
lip and- runs too- long, but Garbage 
gets about , all there is to be had 
from such ancient stuff... 

Also according .to form, show is 
replete With dancing, ' Acts. on the 
hoof follow right on '-".top .of each, 
other, : yet . each 'manages, to ' come 
up With* a topper. .Five 'Cracker- 
jacks, standard combination of men 
that has been in. Broadway shows,' 
supplies the. heavy, stepping. Miss; 
Dudley and her new partner, boy, 
named Brown," and The Yorkers' 
(two/: men and a girl) are the. other:, 
dancing' acts. Latter is a good act 
that ' Cart play any kind of vaude. 
Gladys - Mike and Oscar Newman 
do the straight >work in the talking 

bits. ;.' . . . x 

, Orchestra is a hot aggregation of 
12 musicians, and a leader: Billed 
as Charlie. Turner's Arcadians, but 
the leader's name is Emriiett Mat- 
thews. 

; ...Picture, was a James Cagney 
otdle. > Business abotit two-thirds. 



STATE, N. Y. 

Dispirited bill at State , this 
week. It follows the outline of a 
picture house .presentation chiefly 
because ; the- Chester /'rHjale ballet 
from the. Capitol is slumming for 
the. week. Show is practically a 

blank^ so far as comedy goes. Col- 
lins and Peterson broke their act 
up into small fractions and scat-; 
tered, those fractions over an hour's 
time. . So this pair did not even 
achieve their own custoiriary indi- 
vidual results; while 'for from con- 
tributing anything to the show as 
-a whole.. ■':.-.■' . 

Singing Sam's meiliflous baritone: 
and Bay; Huling's articulate seal 
were the' individual scorers. Neither 
the Hale girls nor Melissa Mason 
looked as smart as when previously 
viewed at Capitol arid Paramount, 
respectively. • Wigmanesque num- 
ber by the girls dragged interm- 
inably. Harrison arid Fisher fol- 
lowed with . a molasses ballroom 
adagio Waltz, so the show never 
really got started. 

If there were any point in 1934 
in . writing treatises on what's 
wrong with vaudeville, the current 
week's layout would riiake a nice 
horrible example. 

United Artists' 'Moulin Rouge/ 
picture, must rely eritirely on its 
own steam. Land, 



PENN 

Pittsburgh, March 30. 
" House - is carrying quite a load 
this wieek, with a. picture that runs 
38 minutes and a stage show that 
goes -70. 'That -means a- three-hour 
bill and only four shows a day. ' 
. ..'.Nana!, the film, and 'Greenwich 
Village . Follies', the uriit, is a combo 
that can't exactly come under the 
heading of astute booking for Eas- 
ter Week, With the kids out of 
school and mama shopping arouhd 
for. suitable entertainment fOr 
junior, she's going to. hesitate about 
a flicker that, has for its heroirie 
a prosty and flesh that isn't ex- 
actly fashioned for parlor consump- 
tion. ■. • -. • 

■Originally, .'Nana' was to have 
played here sans a stage show next 
week, but sudden decision to push 
it forward found 'Follies' already 
booked for that date and no Way of 
re-routing it for a later showing. 
That's a tough break all the way 
round and means a real . push to 
break even. 

'Greenwich Village Follies' has to 
get, by chiefly on production. In 
that department,, it's .tops. For 
names it has only York arid King 
and while, they deliver in their usual 
; aty,le,itheteis=ri6=mlstaking=the=fact- 
that the comedy burden . is just a bit 
t06 much for them in a show that 
runs 70 minutes. As a result, there 
are too many soft spots and leisure- 
ly pace its unrelieved, by anything 
resembling a sock. 

Business tOriight just fair but, of 
course,, it was Good Friday and 
Seder (Passover) night. Combina- 
tion like that, is hardly b.o. balm 
under any 'circumstances and with 
any sort of bill. ' Cohen. 



LONDON PALLADIUM 

London, March 20. 
Palladium has a corking good 
show to satisfy the most discrimi- 
nating.. Cab Calloway here in: his 
third and last week. Band maestro 
was originally in for four weeks and 
switched to Glasgow for,, his .last 
stanza. 

Calloway has caused more con- 
troversy in the show field, hero than 
anyone who, came over from Ameri- 
ca in a decade, and comparisons 
with Duke Ellington were bound to 
arise. Both leaders have their sat- 
ellites, and both are good, box office. 
Ellington's grosses for his fortnight 
averaged close to $20,00© per week, 
whioh is pretty good. 

. This week Calloway has a good 
supporting company, and looks like 
holding up, but management was 
afraid to chance a fourth week. 

One thing that has hindered Cal^ 
loway's grosses . is his playing 
around London's night- spots as one- 
night stands. This has caused a 
number Who would- have gone to the 
Palladium . to await the band's ar- 
rival in their own locality and, by 
.paying . a little extra,, dance to the 
band as well' as being entertained 
by it. ' ••: 

Sherman- lsher 16 Palladium gals 
looked cute in black and white out- 
fits, with MtfolTriO, Japanese equlli* 
brists, making a good opener with; 
clever footwork arid hand-to-hand 
balancing. 

v Murray arid Mooney, two local 
comedians, 'have been here • of ten iri 
the past' few months, but have made 
very few changes ? in their offering. 
House : was in very, good spirit and 
gave them a cordial reception. 
Freddie Forbes, revue comedian, in 
a cpmedy sketch culled from one. Of 
his shows, is funny with several 
original mannerisms. Angela Bar- 
rie makes a perfect foil. 
• Rose Perfect,, here on one of: her 
several- trJpg, -still warbles splendidr 
ly. Rendered thre;e • numbers and 
wad .given aa. good . & reception as. 
any warbler gets here. 

The Three Sailors arrived just in 
time for rehearsal. This is their 
third trip here, the last being nearly 
two years ago at the Pavilion. De- 
spite act having suffered from any 
amount of pilfering by the local lift- 
ers, always manage, to bring some- 
thing new along. This time they 
have the best offering of their ca-' 
reer. Came- as near showstdppirig. 
as anything on the bill. -' Boys look 
like -they are here' for' a.- long so- ! 
journ, providing they adjust their ; 
salary to conform to conditions. 

Billy Caryll and , Hilda Muriday 
found it tough going to follow the 
boisterousriess of the Sailors, . but 
soon got into their stride arid scored. 
It was not the best i spot on the 1 bill 
for that type . of act. 

Opening .intermission, the • Sher- 
man-Fisher gals: attempted, some; 
Singing, arid thereby enhanced their 
dance offering. Fjrarik Boston, who 
followed, is described as a; juggling 
humorist, and Was the. only Weak 
spot on the bill. 

Remainder, of . second half of bill 
was consumed by Cab Calloway and 
his outfit. There is no doubt, judg- 
ing by reception on entry, that Cal- 
loway is popular here. During his 
46 minutes' stay he held them, 
thrilled them and entertained them 
for the best part. His best support 
was Elizabeth Welch who, since her 
arrival here, has played in Charles 
Cochran's 'Nymph Errant' and has 
acquired quite a radio rep. Gal did 
two numbers, with Cab begging off 
for her on a promise of more later. 
His other supports, Alma Turner 
and the Three Dukes, were enter- 
taining in their respective lines. 
Welch gal duly appeared later and 
again speeched it for a getaway. 

Seems a pity Calloway stayed just 
10 minutes too long. E'ger. 

ORIENTAL, CHICAGO 

ClircagdT^arch - '30. 
Milton Berle has tiaken over the 
rostrum that has been hallowed to 
the presence of Paul Ash, and, while 
Ash is on a run at the rival State- 
Lake at present, ; Berle is getting 
away with material Ash wouldn't 
touch with a 10-foot pole. Despite 
the offside gags, arid olowriing, 
there's rio gainsaying that Berle is 
the hardest worker on the stage. 
He was in the spotlight for the first 
show On Friday for some 85 miri- 
utes out of a 96-mlnute perform- 
ance. He works in every turn, 
Stooges for everybody iand makes 
everybody stooge for him. His gags 
are repeats, but his memory is re- 
markable for its ability to hold out 
for an hour and a half at a time. 
And this audience went for him. 
They gasped audibly at some of his 
bluer bits, but they came back for 
more. 

Like Ash, Berle. .needs a couple 
of specialty performers around for 
the clowning and build-up. Here 
i\e_hftd.Tess. GJUtdfilla,. Tommy. Mack, 
Jackie Borlne, Louis Alverde, and 
even managed to stooge into the 
John and Mary Mason skating act. 

Mason turn was previously ex^ 
hiblted to the loop at the State- 
Lake arid with the booking into this 
house B. & K'. breaks its stated 
policy of using none of the State- 
Lake material. B. & K. is wise in 
breaking that silly policy. By re- 
fusing to play material; no matter 
from what source, if that material 



is good entertainment any circuit or 
house would be siloing off ita 
schnozzle .to spite its face. The 
Mason skating hoke, was meat and 
drink for this mob. In fact, th* 
entire show was.a string of laughs. 

Only complaint from the other 
side of the fence might be the yelp 
of too much show. The audience 
got eripugh entertainment here to 
last 'em for a month or more; When 
they ducked Out at the end of the 
first show they were loaded to the 
gills with entertainment at two- 
bits for adults and a dime for kids. 
These rock-bottom prices, are cer- 
tainly chilly io the final count. A 
loaded house .of 3,000 seats means 
under $750 for the actual take. 

Tommy Mack and Eddie Young 
have the hokiest of lowdown com- 
edy, but this audience thought .it 
was strawberries, and whipped 
cream.' On the vocals there is Aunt 
Jemima for a solid -sock early .;-4n 
the running, while Jackie Borine is 
spotted for audience nip-ups to- 
wards the closing. 

House continues its policy of half 
vaude > and half presentation, but 
during the Berle week it's pretty 
tough ... tell where one ends -and 
other begiris. -The regular dignified 
routining is forgotten, but dignity 
can remain .in the alley when the 
audience gets ,so much, for., its' 
money. 

•Picture was 'Dark Hazard* '(WB). 

Gold. 



ORPHEUM, LINCOLN ; 

Lincoln, March 30. ; 

Just as ;. good- as last week's bill, 
was bad, this house may sock the; 
H. Wv letdown. Opening day : (29) ; 
was a bit slow, but things 1 look 
brighter. Only three turns current- 1 
ly, but they're- well booked and fa- ! 
Vbrlng the Easter grade school ex- 
odus which, is letting 'plenty of kldsi 
come iri. \ 

Stage is a riot of hokum and riov- 
elties. : : The ' prevalent system of 
having the acts draw straws for the! 
m. c. job is continued, . with Gale 
losing and getting the call. . Com- 
pliments go to hirii for bounding on 
arid off Without trying to remember 
a . stale gag or two to kill time. ' 

The Claires, juggling and hand 
balancing duo, open with some fast 
and difficult feats. Woman in the 
act does most Of the work and sells 
it nicely, too. Man shows 'em he's 
necessary, however, before the', 
finish. 

Wyhn and Gale do everything 
from Sally Rand to Kate Smith, and 
mike into a, spittoon. Every prop 
they, have squirts water. The kind 
of an act that either clicks or lays 
doorknobs, Clicked substantially: 
here. ' 

Zelda Brothers close with new an- 
gles in contortions. The act builds 
up . consisteritly airid closes with, a : 
wallop When one of the" boys fails 
backward off a .20 -foot ladder to the 
stage, breaking the fail with his 
hands on a table. 

Pio is 'I've Got Your Number' 
(WB) plus a couple of shorts. • 

Barney. 

PARAMOUNT, L. A. 

Los Angeles, March 29. 

For second time in two weeks 
Paramount had no opening opposi- 
tion today, due to. several downtown 
.holdovers, and in spite of the time- 
worn Holy Thursday bugaboo, busi- 
ness at the first afternoon show was 
near capacity, healthiest it has been 
since Sally Rand broke a lot of 
house records recently. 

Unreserved credit for draw, must 
be giveri the Duke Ellington band, 
as screen feature, 'Melody in Spring,? 
has no names of recognized box- 
office magnitude. 

As an entertainment medium Ell- 
ington band rates high and con- 
tinues to live up to its reputation: 
as being one of the leading outfits of 
jazz purveyors. From the stand- 
point of vaude or picture house per- 
formance, -colored "Ofg^liiMtion ^ is 
lacking in many essentials of show- 
manship. This detail, however, did 
not seem to be minded by this after- 
noon's mob, which voiced its approval 
Of the band and individual, numbers 
in no mistakable terms. 

Ellington's 45-min. Stage, prograrn 
is just one band number after : an- 
other, punctuated with individual 
appearances by Ivy Anderson, hot 
torcher, and Earl Tucker (snake- 
hips). Both mopped with a ven- 
geance, with Tucker, panicking the 
auditors. Miss Anderson is a bundle 
of energy arid works hard, with 
results. 

Several of the band selections are 
punctuated by solo bits, with the 
brass arid reed sections; particularly 
cornet, tromborie and clarinet, being 
frequently spotted. Ellington does 
a bit of a pianolog, and spends the 
rest of his time directing the band 
while accompanying at the ivories, 
plus making the necessary announce- 
ments. 

• Short subjects include news and 

Betty^Boop-cartoon;^--™-^ i jBdwOi^ 

WHEELWRIGHT UPS 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Ralph Wheelwright has been pro- 
moted as assistant to Howard 
Strlckling in Metro publicity de- 
partment with Clarence Locan, unit 
publicity man, replacing Wheel- 
wright as editor of Metro Studio 
News. 



ROXY, N. Y. 

Roxy goes a bit heaviiy on the 
b. r. for. a name this week with 
Herman Timberg, but makes , it up - 
by trimming out other acts. Only 
two turns 'besides ' the girls; the 
band and Wesley Eddy, house 
m.c, to supplement the Timberg 
unit. • All spread out pretty clev- 
erly, however, with a lot of real 
entertainment, so. it doesn't lpok ; 
skimpy. ••'■'•• 

Inasmuch as most , of the burden 
is on Tiniberg from a financial . 
standpoint, he's allowed to take 
most of the. burden on stage. Eddy 
waves the stick at his pitmen, but 
Timberg is practically the m.c, 
with. Eddy coming on three times 
for songs and handling them as a 
specialty, turn. Eddy . sings two 
numbers on separate occasions and 
then comes on for a radio imitation 
bit which is a darb. Does a Kate 
Smith, a Bihg Crosby, a, Morton 
Downey, Tony Wons, Singing Sam 
and . Arthur Tracy, ail well, and 
mops Up, 

Timb.eRg gets, in some good clown- 
ing, arid a eouple of dances, though- 
leaving most of the work to his as ^ 
Sortmerit of 'stooges, ' chief ' among 
whom is iTImberg,- Jr. / Othei's in 
his act are Audrey. Parker, George 
Fr.eems,. Oliver . Harris and Herb 
Waliig, all coming on for bits, 

Pieced. Into' this are the Liazee'd 
Arabs, a' colorful hop,' skip and 
jump troupe of a dozfen, and Ar- 
mando and: Llta, who do a surpris- 
ingly good Apache; Surprising in 
that. it. fiori tains a .couple of new 
kinds of. prattfalls and .holds atten- 
tion. '.Girl is especially good. ■ 
' Line is on three tithes arid does, 
well- twice, That's probably a »• 
pretty good average, although it's 
a bit, hard to understahdp why a 
line that can turn in as good a pre- 
cision, routine as that /one in the • 
center of the show, all girls in black 
and red velvet pants and waists, 
can be so ragged' arid out ' of step 
as they are in the closing number. 

Film ls 'Countess' of Monte 
Crlsto' .(U) arid, there are j. couple 
of shorts: besides the newsreel. for 
a grand total of a hit over three 
hours of show. And no bunnies. 
That's sbme'thiTig. Kauf. 



PARAMOUNT, N. Y. 

Better stage show than feature 
as. became, obviously necessary with 
the booking of 'Melody in Spring" 
(Par). This .is the flicker in' which. 
Lanny' Ross of the air waves makes 
his screen debut, . ' . ' ' ':"' ' •'* 

Stage tbpllner and relied upon for 
the b.o. draft is George Raft, aug- 
mented by some more, ether trim- 
mings. These latter , comprise. Tito- 
Guizar arid the 3 ' X . Sisters, all 
Staridard' around BrOadWay. Com- 
edy is handily" sus'tairied by Jimmy 
Savo; also standard 5 .and very okay*. 
Edna Sedgwick, Diane arid Margo 
are the other, sub-principals along 
with the usual line, Bob Alton- 
Dartny Dare Girls. 

Revue is captioned *Raftero' after 
the Ralph .Rairiger tango' dedicated 
to the Par picture player. ^"Raft's 
basic terp ability . naturally stands 
bim in good stead on the rostrum 
in his tango and cakewalk (hi-hat- 
number) dances where he alternates 
Diane and Margo as dance part- 
ners. Diane (of Dario and. Diane) 
was Carole Lombard's double in the 
Raft, picture, hence the: booking 
again at the Par. She doubles from 
the snooty nltery, Place Piqualle; 
Margo is from the Waldorf-Astoria. 

The combo of Raft, Savo and the 
ether trimmings on '• stage and 
screen make for good variety and 
balance; although, the Ruggles- 
Boland team will have to assert 
itself for the screen pull in view of 
Ross' Hollywood novitiate. 

Walter Catlett comedy short as a 
filler played at the nearby Rialto a 
couple of months back and has been 
around iri other houses. Consider- 
ing the Pair's deluxe aura arid first- 
run atmosphere, booking a' short on 
a subsequent date into this house 
isn't a smart idea. Usual newsreel 
fills out 

Roxy Gang next week. 

Harold Lloyd Sues 

Los Angeles, April 2. : 
Suit foreclose on :a $12,500 
mortgage and for a deficiency judg- 
ement has been started iri Superior 
Court here by the Harold Lloyd 
Corp. against Wm. Malott et al. Ac- 
tion also seeks $1,500 . in past due 
interest ' on a note, executed • June 
18, 1928, which still has three years 
to go. 

Mortgage covers property said to 
be owned by George W. Sriiith^ 
Grant Egbert, JJ. S. Frye, Elizabeth 
F. Smith, Margaret Prince Ray and 
Herbert F. Sanders; with Malott 
said to have been acting as agent to 
secure the loan. 



Stepin Fetchit Feature 

Hollywood, April 2. 

Joe Cunningharn and Arthur Rip- 
ley are ..writing screen, play , of un- 
titled yarn for Stepin Fetchit's first 
feature for Fox. 

E. W. Butcher, recently elevated 
to producer spot will have charge 
of the picture. 



Tuesday, Afcril 3, 1934 



IA D I O 



VARIETY 






Questionnaire 
Seeks Facts, Figures on Radio 
Studio Opposition to Theatres 



Washington, 

Sweeping survey of broadcast 
Held to determine effect of free 
.radio performances is planned by 
Broadcast Code Authority. 

Questionnaires to be sent to all 
Stations in order to get basic facts 
for use in. reaching agreement .with 
legit and film groups are being 
drafted. Will go in the mail in 
another fortnight,, it is expected. 

Move resulted . from Inability of 
three groups to get 'together a 
month ago on the extent of com- 
petition resulting from free enter- 
tainment, due largely to lack of 
definite information . about patron • 
age of free broadcasts. Film and 
legit leaders .insisted hundreds of 
thousands of, potential Customers 
are lured away, monthly, while 
broadcasters feel picture Is painted 
too darkly.. 

Sketchy information available 
here does not show how. many sta- 
tions provide free admissions or 
under what circumstances public 
broadcasts are put on. 

Questionnaire will , ask not Only 
for number of persons attending 
and number of public performances, 
but purpose and type of broadcast. 
Code rulers want to know if aim 
is merchandising of particular 
products, improving of station good 
Willi attracting of attention to par- 
ticular personalities, or some other 
motive. 

Survey willbe handled by James 
W. Baldwin, executive officer, and 
Fram Russell, local representative 
of NBC, appointed liaison commit- 
tee to discuss matter with film and 
legit groups. 



WLTH, Brooklyn, 
Sez Examiner's 
Report Ga-Ga 



WLTH, Brooklyn, for whose 
wave lengtn the Brooklyn Daily 
Eagle applied, last week filed with 
the Federal Radio Commission a 
bill of exceptions to a report turned 
In on the station by one of the 
commish's examiners. Oral argu- 
ment on the report won't take place 
for another two months. 

On the point made by the ex- 
aminer that top many commer- 
cials were, not justified by the com- 
mission's policy in granting li- 
censes, WLTH's answer called at- 
tention to the applications of two 
other outlets in the New York area, 
WJZ and WEAF- These NBC keys, 
atates the bi'l of exceptions, noted 
..in. their . applications that 60% of 
their assigned time was sold, while 
only 42% of WLTH's allotment has 
commercial backing. 

WLTH's document disposes of 
the examiner's charge that WLTH 
sold, 3,0% of its time for resale by 
quoting the recent case of WMCA 
Where the commission okayed the 
deal between Don Flamm and the 
Federal Broadcasting Corp., allow- 
ing • the latter resell all of 
WMCA's time. . 

In .answer to the examiner's 
statement that WLTH placed its 
own interest above that of the pub- 
He,, thebil^.of exceptions declares 
J that the station 'cannot understand 
how this conclusion could have been 
drawn when the examiner made no 
findings or reported no facts re- 
garding WLTH's programs, as to 
their variety, public interest or gen- 
eral utility. 



Foster Brooks of Brooks and 
Pierson team, appointed to the KSO 
announcing staff. 



SLIP OF THE TONGUE 



WBBM Announcers Forget Call 
Letters, Name of Sponsor 



, April 2. 
WBBM announcers will likely get 
lessons in memory shortly if the 
memory slips continue. Norman 

Barry was dropped from the CBS- 
WBBM announcing staff last week 
on a miscue. At a program break 
told the audience they were listen- 
ing to WIBO; 

Barry used to work at WIBO in 
the old days, with: that station now 
out of business. Two months ago 
an announcer killed off on the same 
station when he announced the 
start of the Old Gold program by 
very clearly enunciating into the 
microphone that 'Chesterfield is on 
the air.' 



CBS ALTERS % 





DISCS 



CBS last week paved the way for 
its following of NBC . into the spot 
broadcasting, and electrical tran- 
scription business on an extensive 
scale by announcing that effective 
May 24 Radio Sales, Inc., the net- 
work's local station booking ad- 
junct, will discontinue the recogni- 
tion of all special agencies, time 
brokers and general station reps. 
As a preliminary step to entering 
the spot field NBC stopped its pay- 
ment of - commissions to these go- 
betWeen elements two . months ago. 

Stations now on the Radio Sales 
representation list- are those CBS 
owns or operates. They consist of 
WCCO, Minneapolis; WBBM, Chir 
cago; KMOX, St. Louis; WJSV, 
Washington; WPG, Atlantic City; 
WBT, Charlotte, and WKRC, Cin- 
cinnati< 

All present contracts, for which 
an intermediary had been respon- 
sible, will pay the agreed commis- 
sion until their expiration dates. 



SCHUMANN-HEINK ON 
BABY FOOD NBC SHOW 



Chicago, April 2. 

Mme. Schumann-Helnk opens a 
series for Gerber's Baby FOod for 
a 13- week minimum, running from 
9-9:15 p.m. on the NBC. basis blue 
on Sundays.. Starting date in the 
contract is April 29 but minor dif- 
ficulties may hold the initial gallop 
until May 6. 

. Spotted on the show through the 
Biggie Levin office here with the 
account- handled" by the Erwin- 
Wasey agency. The operatic atar 
reported drawing $1,700 weekly for 
the turn. 

Understood agency has negotiated 
with NBC for west- coast time for a 
rebroadcast, if and when. 



Ed Kobak Feted 



NBC last Monday (2C) tossed a 
party at the St. Regis, N. Y., so that 
the personnel in the sales depart- 
ment could meet the new v.p. in 
charge of that end of. the organiza- 
tion, Edgar Kobak. It was the first 
get-together of its kind financed by 
the network in years. 

Number of the boys confined their 
quaffing to wine. 




Big Dailies Steam Up Ad- 
vertisers That Stations 
Should Give Local Fol- 
low - Through Serv i c e 
Same as Press— Network 
Fights Tendency 



FEARS EXPENSE 



NBC is giving aid arid counsel to. 
its affiliated stations as part of - a 
determined struggle to stop, adver- 
tisers from getting merchandizing 
concessions. Pressure . is growing 
and the stations share the alarm of 
NBC that the network may ulti- 
hiately be forced to do a more com- 
plete selling job than is presently 
implied in a straight purchase of 
facilities and programs by a spon- 
sor; 

NBC is resisting advertiser de- 
rcands every inch of the way. Ad- 
mittedly it puts the network in a 
delicate position. .Network can get 
away with a certain amount of 
stalling, where advertising, agencies 
are Concerned, but when the spon- 
sor directly makes the requests for 
a little follow^ through it's not so 
simple. Sponsors express their 
anger more effectively than the di- 
plomacy-obligated agencies. 

NBC's idea of merchandizing is 
to turn over a supply of letter- 
heads and envelopes to the adver- 
tiser. Stenographic labor and 
postage stamps* is for the adver- 
tiser to provide. Where advertis- 
ers desire to circulate road crews 
through a given area NBC's con- 
ception of the network or station 
responsibility is to. donate a road 
map or a list of local dealers, but 
.otherwise refrains from assuming 
any additional responsibility. 
Cost Question 
NBC hopes to educate advertis- 
ers away from merchandising de- 
mands, but the newspapers are 
constantly, steaming up advertisers 
on this moot question. Some of the 
big dailies in particular maintain 
elaborate research and sales pro- 
motion staffs. NBC argues that, in 
radio this is the manufacturer's 
job and "annot be- undertaken by 
NBC itself or NBC stations indi- 
vidually except at added cost to 
the, advertisers and that a general 
policy of local merchandising would 
immediately be reflected in in- 
creased card rates. 

Advertisers want stations to 
make dealer contacts by mail and 
in person, to distribute posters, 
window cards and arrange exploi- 
tation tie-ups generally. Precedent 
is the : service reridered by " the 
dailies, which in some instances 
practically solicit sales for their 
advertisers. 



Baker-Armour Show 
Back in Chi Apr. 27 



Chicago, April 2. 
iill Baker and the Armour show 
return, to Chicago on April. 27 to 
continue the NBC ride. Though 
originally slated to get back on May 
4 the Chicago hop was jumped 
ahead One week. 

Armour account is now being 
handled by. Lord & Thomas agency 
here instead of N, W. Ayer, Rea- 
son for the account move is said 
to be the desire of Armour to have 
an agency with Chicago headquar- 
ters-handle their 'business in close: 
contact with the Armour home of 
fice. 




As Fatal to Small State 



Affable WFI 



Philadelphia, April 2. 
.'Trust Thy Neighbor* ueems 
to be the theme song of WFI 
In Phllly, with, no time being 
sold on basis of contracts. 
Outfit, NB(i " carrier in Philly, 
is owned by the classy Straw- 
bridge and Clothier depart- 
ment store, and station is op- 
erated along same lines. All 
purchases of air time are made 
by letter only, and the studio 
claims to have no unruly cli- 
ents. 'Contracts' may be dis- 
continued by one week's notice. 

With most local stations 
scrambling, around after new 
business, with heavily involved 
contracts, WFl's. scheme seems 
the most workable. All their 
time is sold! 



DAVE STONE AT WSM 

Nashville, April 2. 
David Stone has joined WSM, 
Nashville, as announcer for this 
National Life Variety and Lasses 
White Minstrel shows. 



CRYSTAL-MAKER 
FINDS $3 TAG 
TOO STEEP 



Chicago, April 2. 

Taking one of the quickest brodies 
in the history of radio, Carlsbad 
Crystals quit trying to sell its pack- . 
ages over the ether last week after 
a short fortnight try. Using three 
stations, WJJD and KYW in Chi- 
cago and WJR in Detroit, with Gene 
Dennis, psychic,. as program, crystal 
maker found that it was going into 
the red in jumps with only a couple 
of listeners going for the direct sale. 

lame is placed on the stiffest 
price ever/asked in radio for a pack- 
age goods sold over the transmitter. 
Maker asked the listeners to send 
in three dollars for a package of 
the crystals direct from Carlsbad. 
Stiff price killed any chances for 
the show. 



DR. LEON LEVY, WCAU, 
SEEKS RADIO UNITY 



Philadelphia; April 2. 

Phllly stations are combining into 
a solid organization, it is under- 
stood, as a means of combating un- 
fair trade practices, price-cutting, 
dogmatic union rulings, and other 
studio difficulties. Plan was sug- 
gested by Dr. Leon Levy, WCAU 
prexy, at last week's luncheon of 
station executives, because the gen- 
tlemen's agreement of monthly 
gatherings fizzled;. Levy's idea is 
to constitutionally" organize, with 
written agreements signed by every 
station. This would make such a 
Unit an enforcible power in the 
treatment of wayward studios, and 
prevent any One station from suffer- 
ing embarrassment through the 
necessity of reporting a competitor 
to the NRA board. 

Local radio situation has been 
topsy-turvy for many years, with 
the six major outlets constantly 
warring under cover. Levy's plan 
w ( bring all these practices und«»r 
a "ingle body's governing control. 



Washington, 
Refusal of the radio industry to 
accept suggestions that; working 
hOurs be cut 10% and wages 
boosted in like proportion was in- 
dicated Saturday (31) as first re- 
plies eariie in to Amusement Divi- 
sion Administrator Sol , Rosenblatt. 

While definite position has not 
been taken by broadcasters,. James 
W. Baldwin; executive officer of 
radio code authority, informed 
Deputy Administrator WilliaW P, 
Tarnsworth that 'in my own opin- 
ion, the enforcement of your pro- 
posals to reduce the 40-hour week 
people to 30 hours and to reduce 
those working more than 40 hours 
to' 36 hours with, a 10% increase in 
wages for all would spell disaster 
for the industry.' 

• Suggestion will ; be laid before full 
radio group -shortly and formal' de^ 
cision will be made by entire C. ' A. 
Baldwin,, however, terms the idea 
inequitable and impracticable, riot- 
ing that it would utterly destroy 
all small broadcasting enterprises 
arid would make it impossible for 
the larger broadcasting enterpris*^ 
to recover from the reverses suf- ' 
fered during the depression years. 

Baldwin emphasized that broad- 
casters . are desirous of giving full 
co-operation to NRA, but said he 
is confident if government officials 
will study matter thoroughly their 
own mature judgment will dictate 
a withdrawal of their recommen- 
dations. 



WCFL Rejects 
$150,000 Bid 
From Hearst 



Chicago, April 2. 

Hearst still riot set for a station 
replacement here when KYW, the 
Herald and Examiner affiliate, 
switches, to Philadelphia. Latest to 
be contacted is'WCFL, the Chicago 
Federation of 'Labor station, for a 
possible buy, but the Laborltes 
laughed it off. 

Hearst wanted no association or 
tie-up with the station as presently 
operated, but wanted to pay a re- 
ported 1150,000 for an outright 
take-over. 



Mexican Government's 
Dossier on Brinkley 

Dallas, April 2. 

Evidently wanting to : know 
something more about Dr. John R. 
Brinkley, the Mexican secretary of 
public works, through a Dallas 
represCntatlv Felix Garcia is be- 
ing forwarded transcripts, of a 
court. trial held In Dallas two years 
ago when the. State Of Texas 
sought to axe the medico's prac- 
ticing license. 

Mexican government wishes to 
fortify Itself with details of the 
case in event of a comeback from 
Doc. 



'Grand HoteP Layoff 

Chicago, April 2. 

Campana's 'Grand Hotel' pro- 
gram on NBC quits for the season 
on April 29, 

Scheduled to resuriie, however, on 
Oct. 2. Ralph K>tf>rintf, ex-legit 
manager and now with 1h<; NUC 
production staff, as been writing, 
the scripts. 



Committee Steers WNEW 

Don Clark is out o: WNEW, 
Newark,, as program director, and 
goes with Cleveland B. Chase 
agency. . 

Sei^efoHh^WNEW 
without a program boss, substi- 
tuting instead a program commitr 
tee composed of six members, Wal- 
ton Butterfleld, Bern ice Juckes, 
Sybil Sicgal, -Ed. Fisher, Howar.iL. 
Wiley, Bill Farren. Three of the 
six will constitute a quorum any' 
sU*tornt>on to listen to auditions be- 
tween 2 and 4. 



36 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Tuesday, AprU 3, 1934 



NBC Bows Out as Rep on Dr. West 
Platters as Agency Squawks, but 
Bans Spotting on CBS Stations 



Chicago, April 2. 

First actual test of the 'strength 
of NBC as a hon -exclusive repre- 
sentative as opposed, to ; other 'rep- 
resentation outfits resulted In a 
neck-and-nee.i. finish with' the ad- 
vertising agency- as the third party 
in the pictui coming out the com- 
parative victor. In the NBC battle 
were the exclusive representatives 
such as Ed Petry and Free & Slein- 
Inger plus the J. Walter Thompson 
agency, while the bone of conten- 
tion was the Dr. West toothpaste 
'Frank Merriwell' recordings. 

These platters are being taken 
directly off the wire, from the NBC 
studios here by RCA Victor: Show 
itself is on an NBC eastern net- 
work which rides from Cleveland 
east. Though a Chicago produc- 
tion it has no Chicago 1 outlet. 
Agency is making these recordings 
for spot stuff, in the midwest and 
west. 

NBC here asked the agency for. 
the brokerage business on these 
discs but the agency nixed the idea,' 
stating that unless the regular . rep- 
resentatives were, allow.ed to handle 
the business the agency would spot 
the discs on the stations direct 
with none of the outfits getting any 
commission. 

NBC Diplomatic 

Following the staad on the part 
of J. Walter Thompson the net- 
work said okay and bowed out of. 
the representative picture. But in- 
sisted that the Merriwell discs be 
placed only on NBC stations or 
iftWpendent stations. Absolutely 
refused to permit any of the rep- 
resentatives to place the shows on 
CBS transmitters even though they 
might represent them. Thus . in 
Denver, Petry has this Columbia 
outlet but will not be permitted ta 
spot the platters on that trans- 
mitter. 

NBC forced this ruling through 
by telling the agency that other- 
wise the . network would not per- 
mit the Merriwell show to be ta*- 
en directly off the wire. In that 
case the agency would and it neces- 
sary to buy the talent for a repeat 
show at the recording studio. 
Agency went along with the NBC 
wishes in this matter since by tak 
ins the show directly off the NBC 
studio wires it was able to save 
that talent cost for the second 
show. 

Show started on NBC last week 
and the platters will start their spot 
broadcasting campaign on April 16 

WBBH Kills Symphony 
For Ba sebalfc Chi NBC 
P Selling 6 Days Only 

Chicago, April 2. 

Despite the yelps from music 
lovers about the canning of the 
Philharmonic orchestra for base- 
ball, WBBM, the local CBS Station, 
starts its baseball broadcasts this 
Sunday (7). Listeners have been 
sending frantic letters to newspaper 
editors and the- station itself, but 
the station will slough for the com- 
mercial. Has caused plenty of 
worry among the radio execs, not 
only, at CBS but at other stations. 

NBC has refused to sell its Sun- 
day afternoons to baseball and is 
offering baseball broadcast, prosr 
pects a six-day schedule only., 

McCarthy Quits KFI 

Los Angeles. April 2. 

C. L. McCarthy, who .has been 
assistant .general manager of KFI, 
has resigned after six weeks* serv- 
Jce'^h the berth, and has returned 
to his former home in Oakland. 

Before taking the KFI spot, Mc- 
Carthy, was assistant to Don Gil- 
man, NBC vice-president on coast 
^=activ|tiesr^ — ^-'i— -r- 



Batik of America Seeks 
Good Will on Lee Web 

San Francisco, 
Bank of America this week (3) 
begins 13 weeks of Tuesday and 
Wednesday night , dramas the 
Don Lee network in California, ema- 
nating from KFRC here. 

Bank; backing the program with 
scholarship and cash awards for 
essay writers, and putting, on a 
comprehensive newspaper, billboard 
and direct mail campaign to aid. 

Show 'Leaders of Tomorrow' has 
story and plot by Lucy Cuddy, 
KFRC drama director, and penned 
by "William Robson. Leads in. cast 
are Tom Kelly, Dorothy Scott,. 
Beatrice Benaderet, Ronald Gra- 
ham, with flock pf others doing 
smaller roles. : 



' • Baltimore,. April 2. 

Alexander Brown: & Co., oldest 
banking and investment firm in £h& 
country* goes on air via WFBR once 
weekly with 16 min. broadcast. Set 
for 13 weeks. 

This being Maryland's tercenten- 
ary, program -will.be .framed around 
early history of state, announcer 
spieling intermittently on dramatic 
historical highlights as penned by 
Elizabeth McCurley, early colony 
history authority, 

Studio string ensemble will fill in 
around the gab' with music con- 
temporaneous with period talked 
about. 



Would Prohibit 
Minute Blurbs 
In, After, Music 



MORE ANTI-PLUGGING 

NBC Mulling the Setting Back of 
Dupes to A. M. Commercials 



NBC's program department may 
soon resort to early morning as a 
starting point for the regulation of 
song plugs. Network, which only 
recently set the counting InteryaT 
back from 6 to 4 o'clock, contem- 
plates adopting, the new measure 
because of complaints from daytime 
commercials. These clients have 
been' objecting to .having to follow 
the same number, broadcast by sus- 
taining programs. 

If the web applies the anti- 
duplication rule to the entire day's 
schedule, no pop number will get 
a repeat performance on either the 
red (WEAF) or blue (WJZ) links 
within less than four hours apart, 
from 9 a.m. to midnight. System 
would be so administered that the 
lists of sustaining bands, with these 
including hotel and cafe pick-ups, 
would be subject to practically last- 
minute changes if they were found 
to conflict with the lists of com- 
positions submitted by nearby day- 
time commercials. 







Governing board cf che New York: 
musicians' union, has under consid- 
eration a resolution affecting spot 
announcements. Should the meas- 
ure receive approval a station .em- 
ploying Local 802 members would, 
be barred from slipping in capsule 
plugs between sustaining orchestral 
programs. 

What the proponents: of the reso- 
lution particularly object to is the 
practice Of tagging a spot, an- 
nouncement on the tail end Qf a 
dance program picked up from some 
hotel or cafe. Ban would also apply 
to orchestra broadcasts labelled 
sustaining which originate from the 
studio itself. 

. A. similar proposal came up be- 
fore last year's, convention of the 
American Federation of Musicians, 
but no action was taken on it. 



Triple-Threat Taylor 

San Francisco, April 2. 
George Taylor has been delegated 
—by the- indie .KTAB .' to. .write the 
blurbs for that station, in addition 
to. his other duties as a producer, 
announcer and tenor. 

He started the triple threat job 
last week, 



Rudy Vallee will switch; to a CBS 
sustaining release this summer 
when he and his band settle , down 
at the Pavilion -Royale, Valley 
Stream, L. I. Operating the latter 
spo't is the same group which man- 
ages the Hollywood restaurant, the 
warbler's • current stand. 

With his NBC; management con- 
tract slated to expire. In June, the 
way will be clear f or . Vallee to shift 
network alliances. There is also a 
possibility that the Fleischmann 
Thursday night whirl will : move in 
the same direction. 

John Steinberg who conducts 
the cuisine and catering at the 
Casino de Paree, N. Y., will again 
operate the Pavilion, with his old 
partner, Cristb, also associated. Joe 
Moss and Jacob Amron of the 
Hollywood will, be vitally inter- 
ested in the Pavilion also having 
bowed, out of Hollywood Gardens, 
the summer rbadhouse on Pelham 
Parkway, Pelham, N. Y. This ven- 
ture was condemned by Park Com- 
missioner Moses' because it's on city 
property. 



COURT LOOKS INTO 
WAKEMAN-WGLC CASE 



Tom Mix Ghost Set 



'Ralston Purina will return, the 
Tom Mix serial to NBC in the fall. 
Food packer has closed with Mix 
for the use of his name on the new- 
series and has the restarting date 
figured for two days after the end 
of daylight savings time. 

Script show went off last Mon- 
day (26) after a run of 26 weeks 
or a total ot 78 programs; For 
the number of boxtops collected 
during this . stretch the frame set 
c. .. record, Inflow of trademark 
strips passed the million mark a 
week before the program's foldup 
for the current Beason. 



Shampoo Show Starts 

Watkins Mulsified Shampoo 
through Topping and Lloyd takes 
^o the kllocyQtesjCor a Mojiday.jilght 
seHesTr om"CB sr^LillialTRotlvEd T 
ward Nells, Jr., Ohman and Arden 
make up the program written and 
directed by Walter Craig under the 
title, 'Broadway Night Owls.' 
Broadcasts at I0i30 p.m. EST* 

After the inaugural program (2) 
Walter Craig had the radio editors 
of New York and environs at the 
Waldorf-Astoria for a midnight 
party. 



Albany, April 2. 

Supreme Court Justice O. Byron 
Brewster at Ballston Spa has 
granted an order requiring the pro- 
duction before a refelee of records 
pertaining to. the arrest of Ralph 
B. Wakeman of Claremont, N.H., 
for alleged fraudulent sale of radio 
advertising, a charge from which 
Wakeman has been exonerated. 
The order Is directed against O. 
Thompson Griffin,, owner of WGLC, 
Hudson Falls, and Nicholas Lan- 
zara, Saratoga Springs garage 
owner. Lanzara signed the com- 
plaint which resulted in Wakeman's 
arrest ..recently.. 

Wakeman contends his arrest was 
caused by WGLC, which in a letter 
denied the existence of a contract 
authorizing solicitation of ; adver- 
tising for the. station. Counsel for 
WGLC said the contract had been 
signed by an unauthorized, person. 



Good Talent-Bad Producers 



Major weakness of the average local station, say ad agency men 
who have recently been around the country placing business, is its 
production personnel. A goodly percentage of even the larger city 
stations, regardless of the high level of their technical equipment 
and studio appointments, are still . back in the earphone era when 
it comes to the application of radio showmanship.. 

It isn't a lack of good talent that discourages them, aiyer. the 
agency men, from selling more of their clients on the idea of locally 
built programs. The national advertiser, they feel, has a great deal 
to gain by using local tafent to exploit bis product, but until the 
local station shows a keener knack for whipping such talent into 
showmanllke entertainment they'll go easy with their recommenda- 
tions! 

These agency men: Say thai they have found the artists on the 
average Station far more capable in their business of entertaining 
than the personnel In the art of putting together an attractive pro- 
gram. In many cases the outlet would be better off if the enter- 
tainers were left to their own devices. They might, flounder around 
but the results couldn't be worse than those produced by the mala- 
droit direction to which they are subjected. 

Chief fault with the average station, opine their agency critics, is 
a lacking of understanding of the elements of program pacing and 
balancing. The network commercials have shown the way but of 
this the directing minds of the average indie operated station seem 
totally oblivious. They go on tossing 'em together a la 1926. 

One agency exec cites as a case in point a situation he observed 
on a higH-powered key city station. Instead of scheduling what 
rated as an ordinary hillbilly foursome for two or four 16 -minute 
shows a week it had this act droning out its unvaried routine for 
a full hour. Another agency man tells of a band leader on a com- 
mercial who was permitted to play the entire score of a theme 
song he himself had written for the opening of each program. In- 
stead of limiting the. theme number to three or four bars and then 
swinging into another composition the leader dragged out his mu- 
sical signature to a full two minutes, or long enough for his audi- 
ence to do2e off, 

Angle that militates against, the development of competent pro- 
duction staffs is the frequent' turnover, these get on the average 
station. Program directors have become more than artists the 
migratory element of the Industry, moving from one station to an- 
other and creating, in themselves a psychology that comes to look on. 
one Job as a slippery stepping stone to the next one. In. the con- 
stant shifting low. pay plays as much a part as incompetence. 

Among the towns that agency men say they , have found a high 
quality of program production and general radio showmanship are 
Kansas City, Cleveland, Cincinnatl-Covington, Detroit and Boston. 



WIBX, Utica, Re-Broadcasts WLW 

Takes Programs Off Air, Avoiding Tele* 

phone Wire Tolls 



Chi NBC Picks Talent 
From Ranks for a New 
Artists' Bureau Ride 



Chicago, April 2. 

Following the big shake-up at 
NBC, the program department is 
starting to piece together a new 
talent setup. Ruth Lyon, who Is 
oh the Words and Music show with 
Harvey Hayes* gets a couple of solo 
spots for a 'build-Up try. She fills 
In the vacancy left by the Sara 
Ann McCabe departure. 

Relnhold Schmltt, the quartet 
basso, on April 4 at 10:16 p.m.,. gets 
a once-weekly 16-minute sustain- 
ing build-up on the blue. Wesley 
Summerfleld, tenor of the Merrimen 
quartet now out, looks set for a 
sustaining ride as a solo based on 
a program idea -he has developed. 
Bill Culkih of the Bame quartet 
may return to. KYW whence he 
came " some months ago to replace 
Norman Cordon as bass with, the 
Merrlemen. 



New Chi NBC Talent 

Chicago, April 2.. .. 

Chi NBC continues to dig up trios 
and quartets to replace other trios 
and quartets. Has brought In the 
Spartbn quartet from Detroit* but 
under a hew tag. Henceforth -they 
will be known as the Songfellows. 

Jack Owens, formerly With' Ted 
Weems orchestra, gets a solo spot 
to exercise his tenor voice, re- 
placing Dick Teela. NBC here also 
dickering with Leola Turner, Chi 
Civic Opera warbler. 



BOSWELLS STRAIGHTENED 

Boswell Sisters, starting June <5, 
go under the booking management 
of the Rockwell-O'Keefe office. Sig- 
naturing of this contract c ame as 
a sequel -to the settlement ofTmsT- 
ness differences between the girls 
and the CBS Artists Bureau. 

Revised agreement with CBS re- 
lieves the team of any obligation to 
the network after June E, 



Bisodol's New Cast 

Bisodol show on .CBS goes off, its 
Sunday night spot, changing to 
Wednesdays at the same time com- 
mencing May r. 

Talent lineup undergoing a com- 
plete change, with Everett Marshall 
oh for 13 weeks.. Set by Matty 
Rosen (Morrison office), he started 
Sunday (1). Tamaru, doubling from 
the legit, 'Gowns by Roberta,' starts 
April 8 in place of Helen Morgan, 
with Lou Irwin agenting. 

Irwin also placing Ray Middleton 
of the 'Roberta' company .on that 
program. 



Utica* April 2. 
WIBX, Utica, has entered into an 
arrangement with WLW, Cincin- 
nati, whereby the former outlet is 
permitted to pick up the signal of 
the Crosley transmitter and 
broadcast it over the Utica area- 
Through this association WIBX can 
feed its listeners the programs of 
mutually contracted commercials. 
Topping the group of WLW pro- 
duced affairs that WIBX is taking 
off .the air and rebroadcast ing is 
the Puroil show, which both out- 
lets schedules for three nights* a 
week. 

By Altering the programs from 
transmitter to transmitter WIBX 
has eliminated the necessity of a 
wire hooking up the two stations. 
There is nothing in the Federal 
Radio Commission's book ot rules 
and regulations to bar this pro- 
cedure as long as the receiving sta- 
tion has the permission of the 
originating point. WIBX has pro- 
tected itself on th;ls_ angle by em- 
bodying "the arrangement into 
contract with WLW. 

WIBX last week also became an 
affiliate of CBS. Among the com- 
mercials it is clearing for the net- 
work are Tydol and Bond Bread, 



Ask 5% Station 



Albany, April 2. 
Legislature has been asked again 
this year to impose a 5% tax on 
gross receipts of radio stations. A 
proposal to this effect has Just been 
introduced by Senafor^lTirdmas-Fr 
Burchill, New York City democrat. 

An Identical measure was offered 
last year by Senator John L. Buck- 
ley, New York City democrat, but 
Ht died in the Senate. 



Cincinnati, April 2. 
Small stations in the South and 
Southwest surpass those in other 
sections of the country that accept 
the offer of the Crosley Radio Corp. 
to relay programs broadcast by 
WLW, its 60,000 watten No charge 
is made for . such pick-ups, whether 
sustaining or. commercial, but there 
is a definite ruling that complete 
programs musjt be used to establish 
originating station and sponsorship 
identity. 

Concession was started by WLW 
two years ago. As high as .22 sta- 
tions have rebroadcast WLW pro- 
grams at the same time. Now, ac- 
CWdin^TO^Jo^CHaTKbe^ 
director for. Crosley, about 10 sta- 
tions are making steady Use of 
various WLW programs. 

Relay stations havo powerful re- 
ceiving sets and they amplify and 
rebroadcast programs according to 
choice. 

By • means of the arrangement, 
WLW gets added plugs and its ad- 
vertisers receive extra coverage 
without cost. 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



n A D I o 



VARIETY 



37 



AIR SHOWMANSHIP RATINGS 




First Appraisal of Kind — 
Stations Ranked on Basis 
of Showmanship, Mer- 
chandizing* Program Cre- 
ation, and General Popu- 
larity Within Own Com- 
munity 



DISCOUNT WATTAGE 



Variety prints herewith the first 
attempt to rate individual broad- 
casting stations according to their 
standing within the radio advertis- 
ing trade; Local showmanship and 
local station popularity are the 
yardsticks by which the stations 
have been measured/ 

For the present summary Variety 
concerns itself with . 33 key cities 
where two or more stations are in 
competition. Variety anticipates 
publishing a similar summary for 
the benefit of the radio advertising 
world from time to time. It is pos- 
sible the number' of stations will .be 
broadened beyond the 103 stations 
here reported; 

No attempt has been made to 
rank New York City it being felt 
that this is primarily a network^ 
dominated situation. 

This survey of local showmanship 
is without precedent. Until recently 
the question itself has been given 
little or no thought. But now with 
the advertising agencies and spon- 
sors increasingly concerned with 
local showmanship it is believed 
Variety's, list is of timely appear- 
ance and wide probable usefulness. 

Irt formulating the list Variety 
has combined its own information 
and knowledge of local situations 
with the expert, comment of author- 
ities within the radio advertising 
field whose competence to judge 
values Is as unquestionable .as their 
integrity and freedom from bias. 
These authorities cross-checking 
each other are of a remarkable 
unanimity In a majority of cases. 
Chief disagreements over station 
rankings refer to Chicago and Los 
Angeles. 

Necessarily the ratings are ar- 
bitrary. But in most cases it is felt 
the solid opinion of informed " per 
sons supports the rotation. Of much 
importance is the tendency of high 
powered stations to be over 
shadowed in showmanship and pop 
uarity by less-blessed stations. 
Strength derived from network pro 
grams, mechanical advantages and 
other passive elements are given due 
allowance in placing the stations. 



ATLANTA 

1. WSB 

2. WGST 

WSB is NBC's 50-000-watter and 
as such has ah easy advantage over 
WGST, 500-watter with CBS affilia- 
tion. WSB issues -an alert program 
gossip sheet. In general there is 
very little local showmanship as 
yet in. the south. Several stations 
that do reveal some capacity, shine 
out amidst the general lassitude, 
WSB benefits from the dismantling 
of XER, Mexico. 

BALTIMORE 

,t. WCAO 

2. WBAL 

3. WFBR 

Slight margin goes to 250-watt 
WCAO on showmanship and mer- 
chandizing of Tom Lyons. WBAL 
is owned by power company, has 
10,000 watts, and unusual girl style 
forecaster. WFBR built up by Jack 
Stewart, now out, has been recep- 
tive to special stunts. In general 
^BaltimWe^coWfpetltl5fl^i9^tiff-^md 
.the showmanship of. all stations 
above average. 



KVOO, Tulsa, and is. not on the air 
full-time. WKBC is a local one- 
lunger. 

BOSTON 

1. WNAC 

2. WEE! 

3. WBZ 

4. WAAB 

John Shepard, 3r , owns 1,000- 
-ivatt WNAC which cops first place 
in the Hub on the strength of local 
showmanship plus the regional 
Yankee network and Columbia pro- 
grams. At present engaged in a 
courageous fight to put over its Own 
news flash service. WBZ despite 
25,000 watts ranks third for. Boston 
popularity; WNAC's runner-up is 
utility-owned 1,000-watt WBEI 
which has several unique programs 
and gets the red NBC shows. WBEI 
is smartly managed within the pre- 
scribed limits of a conservative 
ownership. 

BUFFALO 

1. WGR 

2. WKBW 

3. WBEN 

Ike. Lounsberry is behind 1,000- 
watt WGR iand 5,000 watt WKBW 
which take first and second rating 
by an easy margin oyer WBEN, 
newspaper station. Latter is passive 
so far as local showmanship is 
concerned and the 1,000-watt 1 sta- 
tion is used chiefly as an NBC out- 
let. Lounsberryites have originated 
cou pie of programs which passed 
o:Ho the Columbia web. 



CHICAGO 



1. WLS 

2. WGN 

3. WMAQ 

4. WBBM 

5. KYW 

6. WENR 

7. WJJD 

8. WCFL 



CLEVELAND 

1. WHK 

2. WTAM 

3. WGAR 
. WJAV 

Columbia outlet, WHK, 2,500- 
watter to sundown, 1,000 afterwards, 
seems to rate Cleveland first place 
on Harry Howlett's all-round radio 
showmanship. WTAM has 50,000 
watts and NBC programs. Station 
was- built up by John Royal; now 
program irector in. New York for 
NBC. His stage and vaude show- 
manship gave "WTAM an impetus it 
still enjoys. 

WGAR is NBC blue outlet halving 
its 1,000 wattage after sundown. 
This gives it an edge over WJAY 
which by some advertising agencies 
would rank third in Cleveland, 

COLUMBUS 

1. WSBN 

2. WAIU 

Columbus is not classified as a 
good radio town , possibly because 
of Cincinnati and Cleveland high 
■ powered transmitters. Fred Palmer' 
is the boss of WSBN with CBS af- 
filiation while WAIU is a Howlett 
station. 

DALLAS 

1. KRLD 

2. WFAA 

3* : WRR 

Another instance where a 50,000- 
" waiter is outranked on showman- 
ship and popularity by a lesser sta- 
tion. CBS outlet, KRLD, has 10,000 
watts. WFAA is a red NBC outlet 
sharing wavelength with WBAP, 
Fort Worth. 

John Thorwald operates WRR, 
municipally owned and a money- 
maker. . Its 500 watts restricts its 
coverage of course to Dallas en- 
virons. 



LOS ANGELES 



BIRMINGHAM 

(WBRC 
__ ( WAPL... 
Z. WKBC 

Birmingham is regarded as a poor 
iradlo town. Incidentally it is also 
a poor theatre town. There is little 
to chose here. WBRC and WAP1 
are bracketed for first place chiefly 

because WAPI riivirlea time wit*. 



Many factors must be weighed in 
Chicago. WLS gets first position 
because its showmanship is alert, 
aggressive and has "resultedin more 
financial returns from station by- 
products than is probably true of 
any other station in America. It 
might be argued that the bulk of 
WLS regular fans are not in 
Chicago proper. Notwithstanding 
it. is felt WLS is entitled to lead a 
Chicago list based primarily on 
local showmanship. WGN has Im- 
proved a lot since going indie and 
is tied-in with the Tribune, a news- 
paper skilled in showmanship and 
promotion on the grand scale. It 
gets second place because its 
strength is due to its own resource 
fulness and because it has just got 
ten 50,000 watts. 

WMAQ gets most Of the up*build 
ing in Chicago from NBC, To a 
lesser degree, the promotional in- 
genuity of its owner, the Dally 
News, contributes. WBBM is to 
Columbia what WMAQ is to NBC 
but on local sales this station per- 
mits no turf to take root under Its 
feet. 

KYW has Hearst backing and has 
developed numerous local programs. 
Comic doctors, Sherman and Pratt, 
have long been identified with this 
station. WENR is nursed by the 
network. WJJD suffers from trans- 
mitter location and limited budget, 
has changed hands several times. 
WCFL is operated by the labor 
unions with very little, taste or dis- 
crimination. Once nominally affili- 
ated with NBC it carried practically 
no network stuff. Has a large work 
ing class audience.. 

There are; numerous 'small time' 
stations in the Chicago neighbor- 
hoods and outskirts..- These are of 
lOO-to-250 wattage classification. 
They live despite the impossibility 
of figuring with a pad and. pencil 
how they do it. Possibly WGES and 
WAAF should be' given honorable 
separation from the list; Outside of 
these two there appears to be ho 
evidences of showhianship among, 
the small ies. Erosion qri phonograph 
records seems their chief worry. 

CINCINNATI 

1. WLW 

2. WGKY 

3. WSAI 

4. WKRC 

WLW with 50,000 watts and soon 
to go to the unprecedented level of 
500,000 watts dominates Cincy. Sta- 
tion is the originator of road mer- 
chandising crews and has combed 
4h e=^en tlr e= area^ad jacent^to^tbA, 
southern Ohio metropolis. Con 
stantly .on outlook for new talent 
and programs and one of few en- 
terprises iri ra.dio organized and 
operated along theatrical lines. 

WCKY is not in Cincinnati but 
across the river in Covington, Ken- 
tucky. However it is generally re- 
garded as a Cincinnati outlet. L. B. 
Wilson, trained in the theatre and 
of showmanly background, keeps 
WCKY among the best. 
WKRC is 70 <& network (CBS) 



.DETROIT 

1. WJR 

2. CKLW 

3. WXYZ 

WJR has the reputation of being 
the number one money-maker 
among individual stations in Amer- 
ica. It is smartly operated and has 
originated several outstanding pro- 
grams. CKLW, 'across the river in 
Canada, is the recipent of Storer- 
Ryan showmanship and goes in 
heavily for local merchandising. 
. WXYZ is coming ahead fast un- 
der the guidance of theatre-trained 
Kunsky-Trertdle. Has distinctly 
local flavor and Is Flagship of a 
regional network in Michigan. 

In general the quality of station 
management- in Detroit is high and 
competition, keen. 



DENVER 

1. KOA 

2. KLZ 

3. KFEL 

KOA (NBC) has the edge. Feeds 
programs to network. High claBs 
programs and policy. KLZ derives 
its strength from Columbia net 
work, has the reputation of ..operat 
ing close to cushion. 

Gene O'Falldn's 500-watter KFEL 
is actually tops in purely local 
showmanship. Goes in for the .flux- 
and-reflux of municipal life with 
stunts, prize fights, wrestling, sports 
events, and court trials. 

DES MOINES 

1. WOC-WHO 

2. KSO 

NBC's 50-000-rwatter comes in 
first. KSO, however, is alert and 
does a good local job. 

HOUSTON 

1. KPRC 

2. KTRH 

. Little competition here. Not an 
outstanding radio town. 

KANSAS CITY 

1. KMBC 

2. WHB 

3. WDAF 

Arthur Church, operator of 
KMBC, 1,000 watter (CBS) is one 
of the leaders of the industry and a 
showman by instinct if not by back- 
ground. Developed 'Easy Aces.' 
Another KMBC program, 'Happy 
Hollow' reputed one of finest of 
kind on a local station. 

KMBC is closely pressed by WHB 
managed by Don Davis and a go- 
getter station all the way. Not a 
full time station but while on air 
its Competitive presence is always 
felt. 



1. KHJ 

2. KFWB 

3. KNX . 

4. KFi 

5. KMTR 

6. KFAC 

7. KECA 

Los Angeles as th capital of a 
great peasant empire of retired 
farmers, and sawdust-hitting re- 
vivalists must be judged by its own 
canons. On top of the eccentricities 
of the population the time element 
weighs. Network programs , from 
New York come in three to four 
hours early and in consequence the 
Pacific area is not comparable to 
the rest of the U. S* A. 

KHJ appears to have first place 
sewed up. Most experts agree on 
that although thereafter the exact 
sequence irt whicn stations should 
be rated is a matter of considerable 
contradiction. KHJ is the Don Lee- 
CBS outlet but does not rely upon 
network support. Can arid does 
spend dough for local programs, to 
feed 12 station, hopk-up. Has 
created Blue Monday Jamboree, 
Shell program and Al Pearce's gang 
(how KFI) and 'California Melo- 
dies.' Raymond Paige orchestra, 
rated best radio aggregation locally 
is a KHJ asset. 

Kay Van Piper's historical 
sketches and a swell <>rcHestra; Jack 
Joy, have done a lot to popularize 
KPWB, 1,000-watter, owned! by the 
film company, Warner. Brothers, 
arid extensively used to publicize 
that firm's product. lsd has 
strength In remote control dance 
music. Lots of . stunts. 

KNX has plenty of enterprise and 
ignores networks. In patterning Its 
programs and policies; Station in- 
troduced 'Frank Watanabe and 
Honorable Archie' tremendously 
popular coast program. KNX is 
popular in the Pacific northwest 
which its 25,000 watts permits it to 
reach. Guy Earl has been the ring 
leader in fighting the network 
dominated news flash set-up. Op- 
timistic DonUt Hour and Arizona 
Wranglers are other KNX achieve- 
ments that have brought- the station 
coin and listeners. 

KFI gets the bulk of the eastern 
NBC stuff between six and nine but 
otherwise has little appeal except 
for some San Francisco programs 
which it accepts. Has 50,000 watts 
but little local showmanship. 

KMTR has changed management 
a lot. Beverly Hill Billies an asset 
as is Salvatore Santaella's orches- 
tra. Afternoon diet is phonograph 
records.. KFAC principal function 
is to sell Auburn automobiles .for 
the . local agent who owns station. 
It brackets with KFVD, 250-watter. 
Created 'In Laws' comedy script 
now on KNX. KECA is the sec- 
ondary NBC outlet heavily waxed 
and used as a sluffo station. 



PHILADELPHIA 

WCAU 
WIP 
WPEN 
. WLIT 

Columbia's 50,000 watter has a 
walkaway i Philly^ . Runnerss-up 
aren't even close. KYW moves 
here from Chicago in fall and that 
may bring opposition. 



WDAF is owned by the snooty 
Kansas City Star and its following 
is due to NBC programs. Has 
mechanical and prestige advantages 
but. a bit too aloof and detached to 
acknowledge showmanship, 

LINCOLN 

1. KFAB 

2. KFOR 

KFAB has the strength. Lincoln 
suffers from proximity to more 
important Omaha. 



LOUISVILLE 

1, WHAS 

2. WAVE 

WHAS is old and well established. 
WAVE is new and hustling. Time 
may upset status quo. Meanwhile 
Louisville is ranked In the radio 
advertising trade as one of the poor- 
est broadcast cities in land. 

NASHVILLE 

1. WSM 

2. WLAC 

Very keen rivalry here. WSM 
has - the - strength but W^AC has 
good local programs set-up. WSM 
rivals WLS, Chicago, in hillbilly 
appeal. Devotes Saturday night en- 
tirely to this stuff. Smart program- 
riling generally with 'Grand Old 
Opry' best known. 

NEW ORLEANS 

1. WDSU 

2. WSMB 

3. WWL 

Seems little room for question on 
sequence here. WDSU goes for spe- 
cial Stunts iri big way. WSMB is a 
nice small (NBC) station. WWL 
is a Catholic, station of local char- 
acter but does okay job for com- 
munity commercials. 

OKLAHOMA CITY 

1. WKY 

2. KOMA 

Not much to chose between here. 
Southern cracker entertainment. 
Both stations bestir themselves oc- 
casionally to get off the beaten path. 
There are two smaller stations in 
Oklahoma Cily, KFXR arid KGFG: 
They are of scanty signal strength. 

OMAHA 

f wow 

1 KOIL 
2. WAAW 

Even Stephen between WOW and 
KOIL. Both have 1>000 watts. WOW 
is NBC red and KOIL is NBC blue. 
WAAW is active also with half the 
wattage of compotito- -a. Situation 
is highly rfimpelitive. 



PITTSBURGH 

1. WCAE 

2. KDKA 

3. WJAS 

4. KQV . 

WCAE with 1,000. watts outranks 
KDKA's 50,000 on the showmanship 
and popularity analysis. Both, are 
NBC. KDKA is oldest station in 
country (13 years) but its reputar 
tion seems to outstrip its actual im- 
portance in its own area, Sortie 
improvement in showmanship since 
William Hedges took over manage- 
ment!. Appears to be . handicapped 
by joint ownership of Westingr 
house-NBC. 

WJAS - ranks . a poor third al- 
though, some think station /is 1 im- 
proving in program quality. Rela-. 
tions with. CBS have been reported 
none too cordial. KQV is part 
time. WWAE of Wheeling would 
like to move to Pittsburgh accord- 
ing to report. 

PORTLAND, ORE. 

(KGW-KEX 
} KOIN 
2. KALE 

Nip-and-tuck situation. Leaders 
part of wider rivalry of two news- 
papers. KGW-KEX goes in for 
local stunts, has developed Circus 
Court mock trials, radio Boy Scouts 
and other promotional . programs, 
KALE is a step-child of KOIN. 

PROVIDENCE 

1. WEAN 

2. WJAR 

WEAN's advantage is: credited to 
merribership in Yankee network. 
WJAR is owned by department * 
store and makes little effort to be 
anything more than art NBC trans- 
mitter. 

ROCHESTER 

1. WHAM 

2. WHEC 

WHAM has an easy edge. High 
class, station owned by Stromberg- 
Carlson arid highlights such, affilia- 
tions as' Rochester Symphony and 
Eastman School of Music. 

WHEC belongs to vthe Gannett 
publishing house. 'It is an every- 
day broadcasting station. 

SALT LAKE CITY 

1. KDYL 

2. K8L 

KDYL comes in at a trot. Has 
created number, of nifty programs 
including Kangaroo Club. Has 
showmanship v but minimum heed tq 
use it. KSL owned by Mormon 
Church provides creaky organ con- 
certs and religious singing and an 
open field for KDYL. 

ST. LOUIS 

1. KMOX 

2. KWK 
'3. K S D 

KMOX is closely tailed by KWK. 
Both stations, are aggressive and 
showmanly. KMOX has an influen- 
tial cooking school. KSD is owned 
by a newspaper and as is true of 
most stations of similar proprietor- 
ship plays the second fiddle role of 
a subsidiary. 

SAN FRANCISCO 

1. KGO 

2. KFRG 

3. KPO 

4. ,KYA . 
6. KROW 

. KGO. is NBC's prestige station on 
Pacific slope. KFRC is the Don Lee 
outlet;; KPO is the secondary NBC 
outlet. KYA is newly tinder Hearst 
rule. KROW is really in, Oakland. 

SEATTLE 

1. KOMO 

2. KOL 

KOMO has the NBC cream but 
otherwise stations quite even. 
Seattle is a good department store 
and stations dp expert merchandiz- 
ing jobs, including novelty stunts. 
Put sustaining programs in depart- ^ 
ment stores, etc. Go in for fashion . f 
parade broadcasts. 'Both rank high 
in showmanship.. 

SPOKANE 

1. KFPY 

2. KHQ 

, _ Not- -r a nked .a s.- imporjtant__ra dio___ 
town. Narrow margin competi- 
tively between stations. 

WASHINGTON 

1. WJSV 

2. WOL 

3. (WMAL — 
|WRC 



Generally agreed WJSV stands 
out head nnd shoulders. WOL has 
some good locul stuff. WMAL- 
WRC nro slri"tly NBC network with 
little lof.nl push. 



$8 



VARIETY 



Tuesday, April 3> 1934 



WGN SALUTE TO THE NATION 
50,000- Watt Inaugural 
Sustaining 
150 Mins. 
WGN> Chicago 

Celebrating: it's 10th anniversary 
•^ith. a boost of power from 26,000- 
watts to double that figure, WGN 
came through with an inaugural 
program tbat ran from eight to 
10:30. p. m. And from that point on 
to closing, since the various , bands 
euch as. Wayne King, Jan. Gather,' 
Earl Burtnett, Hal Kemp and Rich- 
ard Cole that followed all flitted in 
as a. long parade of talent, giving 
WGN and the nation the bow of 
acknowledgment.. 

WGN presented an imposing: ar- 
ray of talent, and names on this 
dedicatory program. No room for 
encores or bows which made the 
160 minutes pass , ; quickly and 
jammed with . entertainment. 

. Show opened with the -playing of 
•Pomp and Circumstance' and the 
only sad note of the entire: evening 
was the fact that the director of 
the WGN orchestra,: Adolphe Du- 
mont, had died. two . days previously,' 
In. harness while rehearsing the or- 
chestra for the inaugural celebra- 
tion. 

Pierre Andre led the list of an- 
nouncers knd sent the show, away 
to a graceful start. Andre is In- 
herently dignified yet without cold- 
, Bess. Virginia Clark, of . the 'Helen 
..Trent' show, performed the candle- 
lighting ceremony. And then came 
Jack Chapman, the bandleader -Who; 
was the first to- broadcast by remote 
control Over the. Tribune station. 10 
years ago. He played the old time 
. hits such as 'Three o'clock • in thfe 
-Morning/ 

Came, the long list of WGN tal- 
ent, Laurence Salerno, Adele Starr, 
Bob Elspn, Paul Fogerty and Law- 
rence Reed of 'Rube. Appleberry,' 
Albertl Salvi, Four Knaves, John 
Harrington,' Helen Freund, Art Kahn 
and Allan Grant, Francis X. Bush- 
man and Elizabeth Hines, Arthur 
Wright, Leonard Wright. . The sing- 
ers exercising their tonsils while 
the. talking performers went through 
short dialogs pertaining to the WGN 
situation. 

W. C. Pornfleld, the club per- 
^Aririer and magician, was there and 
aoing his regular small-time routine. 
From his material he is evidently 
the Milton Beiie of the. ether. But 
then into real entertainment by the 
Phantom Violinist, Mark Love, and 
many others of the WGN staff. 

Closing to bring the celebration 
to a rousing finish were three hits 
in succession, Irene Wicker as the 
'Singing Lady,' Pat Kennedy and 
Clara, Lu and Em, with Attillb Bag- 
glore finishing it off with an oper- 
atic selection in fine manner.. 

And the guy who was. responsible 
for the, whole thing, Quin Ryan, 
Tvasn't around. He had ducked out 
of town, three days before on' an 
excuse that, he wanted to see Mexico. 
He was afraid no doubt that he'd 
have had to make a speech. Gold; 



NEILSON CHOCOLATE HOUR 
With Julian Oliver, James Shields, 

Grace Ou,rin, Anna Jameson 
Musical Revue' • 
60 Mins. 
COMMERCIAL 
CFRB, Toronto 

This Canadian program (re- 
viewed by long distance in New 
York) adheres to. a galloping tempo 
from start . to finish. Canadian 
sponsors out- Yankee the foremost 
exponents of zip. n the southern 
side of the imaginary line. Nearest 
prototype musically on the Ameri- 
can radio is B. A; Rolf e, thiat de- 
mon of racing: choruses and noth- 
ing but choruses. 

Several Canadian stations hook 
up with CFRB in making the pres- 
entation. It was hailed at the start 
as the 371st broadcast, so it's ho 
probationary interlude. And it is 
understandably popular, for its 
speed is accentuated by several 
nifty voices and a general dignity 
In production. 

Just how far Canadian, precepts 
on advertising copy influence the 
commercii: 1 plugs cannot, be au- 
thorltativeJ • stated . by a Manhat- 
tan reviewer.. However, -the an- 
nouncer is always rational and fre- 
quently laconic. Four or five break- 
ing for sales. : mention during the 
hour.. Neilseh has chocolate, co- 
coa, and ice cream to sell, and 
dwells on the individual items. 

Canadla i singers are pitched 
higher and soar into !the vocal 
clouds more readily than is the 
custom on American kilocycles. Ju- 
lian Oliver and Annie Jameson, in 
particular, range toward the oper- 
atic and hand in a bona fide sam- 
ple of the Italian national passion. 
James Shields is mustered , in most 
frequently for songs of a sentimen- 
tal tinge. Exceptionally attractive 
'cutie' voice ""as identified as Grace 
Dunn. There Was a violinist also 
who smoothly pizzicattoed . in solo 
performance. Orchestra bears the 
title Jersey ^Vliik C.hPCplateers. 

Near- the final stretch the pro- 
gram... introduced 'two songs by 
amateurs labeled number one and 
number two and offered for. public 
balloting. Winning number be- 
comes . Toronto's official theme' song 
in the pending observance' of 100 
years of civic existence. Land. 



NORMA SHEARER 
With Herbert Marshall, Adrian, 
Arthur Jarrett, Raymond Paige 
Orcht Shirley Rosa, Kay Thomp- 
son, Rythm Kings 
'Rip Tide' (P.revjew 
30 Mins. v 
Sustaining 
WABC, New York 

Arranged by CBS and Metro 
pictures in Hollywood, this nation- 
wide exploitation stunt for the pic- 
ture 'Riptide? happened also to be 
a nifty radio program. 

Not that, she is likely to do much 
radio' work, but just for the files, 
Norma Shearer is plenty okay oyer 
the kilocycles. Intelligence gleamed 
through the cosmos during the 10 
minutes, or, whatever it was, she 
occupied. Her vocal personality 
separated from her good looking 
person gets oyer . splf flly. 

Let the radio scouts also make a 
note . that Herbert Marshall, Brit- 
ish-trained legit and picture actor, 
is strictly affirmative for the ether, 
In fact, Miss Shearer and Marshall 
in a publicity stunt proved what 
needs proving to radio, that adult 
calibre trouping can be immensely 
engrossing on a wave length. In an 
excerpt from 'Riptide' they dem- 
onstrated that given smart dialog 1 
and suave performers, dramatic 
sessions worthy of the attention of 
adults can be .achieved. 

While . .divvying up the bouquets 
on an adroitly presented one-time 
broadcast, hand a sprig- to Metro's 
fashion boss, Adrian. He not only 
speaks well, but with sensible re- 
straint', unmistakable author-?. 
Ity, He's a . natural for a program 
n need of that sort of thing/ . . 

Regular radio talent filled in the 
rest of the half-hour nicely. 

Land. ,■ 



TOM DAWSON 

Songs, With Orchestra 

15 Mins. 

Sustaining 

WCAU, Philadelphia 

This, a hew show, is building a 
local following because the voice 
used is a distinct bass. Opening 
• with 'The Song of Surrender' as a 
theme, gives Dawson a full range 
of vocal effect, arid i..imediately the 
bass voice as a soloist ' holds an 
audience; Paul Mason's house band, 
sticking mainly to ballads, does, a 
neat Job of fitting the mood of the 
show. 

Idea behind the program is to 
present Dawson as a romantic fig- 
ure that's sure to catch the gals, 
while the virility of the voice ex- 
pands a potential audience to men 
as well* The singer, a part of the 
Four Showmen Quartet, although 
not very familiar with soloing, is 
doing, a commendable vocal job. 
Particular attention should be. paid 
to song selections, since any hum 
ber which has a tendency to draw 
him out of his range '.-will imraedl 
ately throw him off pitch. 

One thing which will help here is 
.better program, presentation. More 
romantic copy will lend an atmos 
phere to this show that's very neces 
eary, since the present set-up 
doesn't take full advantage of Daw- 
son's possibilities! 

Spot; , at 3:16 twice, weekly, is 
poor one. Late evening is what is 
.needed. 



MEREDITH WILSON Orchestra 

30 Mins. 

WJZ, New York 

Meredith Wilson isn't new but his 
manner - of presentation is a new 
idea which merits important, na-r 
tiOnal . attention. That's why' NBC 
is etherizing him from San Fran- 
cisco where Wilson is the general 
musical director of the Pacific slope 
division. . He reaches : New York at 
2-2.30 p.m.; Tuesday afternoons. 

Wilson's stuff is something along 
'Whltemariesque lines, but in a more 
popular vein. He audibly dwells oh 
the American idiom of popular 
composition and song trends and il- 
lustrates each prefatory remark 
with a suitable musical accompani- 
ment. His version of Ralph Raih- 
ger's 'Raftero' (dedicated to George 
Raft's 'Bolero') Is likened to the 
Debussy-Tschalkowsky idea of 
Spanish, composition. . Thus, while 
this is a tango foxtrot of Spanish 
motif, its evolution is strictly in the 
American manner. 

Wilson selects his numbers can- 
nlly, digging up some new ones. A 
tune by Arthur Johnston, 'Where 
Have I Heard That Melody?' for 
example,, is an oldie which caused 
Wilson to wonder why it never 
clicked. He *pald tribute to the Fred 
Waring pioneering in the coupling, 
of Vocalizing with orchestration, 
and used his Coquettes (femme 
harmonic combo) to illustrate that 
•style. 

All in "all Wilson rates as one of 
the best things on the. air out of the 
west or anywhere. He's worthy of 
an evening spot (commercial time 
bookings alone probably . stymies 
that) from coast to coast. It would 
be ideal stuff for Sunday night. 

Abel 



'HELLO HOLLYWOOD' 
Comedy Serial 
15 Mins. 
SUSTAINING 
•TvFAC, Hollywood 

Kidding Hollywood in radio com- 
edy serials is popular on Coast sta 
tions. Most programs have been 
rather blah, but this one looks as if 
It has something, and should stack 
^^pT)articularly i f ; good=for=discingr 

There's something' of the 'Once in 
a Lifetime* flavor about it, center 
lng as it does .about a dumb cluk 
nephew of the producer of a pic 
ture studio who makes good despite 
— his-stupidity.. 

Script show is on this station 
three- 15 -min. periods a week. Pro 
dUced and written by Tom Gibson, 
who- also plays in the cast. Other 
parts are well taken care of by Paul 
Norby, Ruth Schooler and Bertoh 
Bennett. #<<m» 



SALLY OF THE TALK) 
Loretta Poynton, 'Cliff ier, 
Dana Ryker, Leo S. Rosencrans 
Children's Serial 
15 Mins. 
COMMERCIAL 
WMAQ, Chicago 

Q. When is a kid's show not a 
kid's show? A. When it's Sally of 
the Talkies. . Not only won't the 
kids listen to it but it must take 
plenty of inducement to keep the 
control man awake. Kosto dessert 
Is footing the bill for this thrice- 
weekly 15-mlnute afternoon gallop. 

Angle here seems to have been 
to get away from the blood-and- 
thunder stuff at all costs. But the 
cost is top great. 

Behind the scenes in Hollywood 
is the subtitle, They are shooting 
a serial with animal situations. But 
it is all jumbled and meaningless. 
Most of the stuff is far beyond the. 
ken. of the children's minds. For 
Instance, in one scene heard the 
director has just received a wire 
from New. York, headquarters tell-: 
lng him ;the new title, is 'The Eye .bf 
the Eagle,' which burns the direc- 
tor who cracks, 'Talk about your 
wise men of the east.' This might 
be a pretty -smart', crack for an 
adult program but It has. abso- 
lutely no sense on a children's bill. 

Rosencrans, the author of this 
'show, evidently thought he'd mix 
in a little 'Once in a Lifetime' with 
his children's fodder. He's even 
worked in stuff about the Holly- 
wood yes-men, stuff which is hot 
only above the heads of the chil- 
dren but without meaning to most 
people outside of the picture or 
show business. And what he does 
have has been Overworked in books, 
plays and pictures. Gold. 



A.C. SPARK PLUG DERBY 

'The Cookoos,' . ihcludihjl Ray 
Knight, Mary Hopple, Mary Mc- 
Coy, Jack Arthur^ Robert Arm- 
briister 

Comedy, Songs, Band 

30 Mins. 

COMERCIAL 

WJZ, New York 

in bringing, back 'The .Cookoos,' 
which rates as radio's oldest com- 
edy stanza of its kind, the maker 
of the A.C. spark plug has run into 
a condition it. had not anticipated, 
The half hour in which this show 
is slotted Wednesday nights puts 
it in opposition to the Ipana-Sal 
Hapatlca whirl headed by Fred 
Allen. And the. General Motors 
subsld will likely find that this is 
certainly no easy opposition to dl-r 
gest.' Revamping, of the Fred Allen 
stand occurred after A.C. had con- 
tracted for its spot on the blue link. 
What makes the situation tougher 
than ever is the similarity in type 
of .the two frames. 

As a variety show, the A.C. shin» 
dig is built to the latest specifica- 
tions. . 'The Cookoos' brand of non- 
sense hasn't been dulled. Ray 
Knight shows as keen a .flair as 
ever for cracking a buffoonisn but 
sly- whip at current foibles, the. 
vocal and orchestral interludes are 
neatly spliced into the proceedings 
and the thing as a whole moves 
with a pace that assures sustained 
Interest. Still part of the Knight 
stooge menage is. the . Mrs. Penny- 
feather character. Also the lad with 
the piping. Scotch dialect. But 
among those missing is Mae. Ques- 
trel. / ' 

Jack Arthur and Mary McCoy do 
well by the warbling bits whether 
It be solo or .in duet, . whjle Robert 
Armbriister feeds 'em an ear- tick- 
ling version of the latest output 
from Tin Pan Alley. Worthy of a 
special note, of approval is the 
smooth mixing of the Ivories by 
Milton Crouse and Armbruster in 
the piano duo interpolations. 

Plug retailing is split between the 
testimony of -ah expert engineer, 
introduced here as Mr. McMinn, and 
the conventional copy quoting by 
an announcer. A.C. started off the 
series with ' a contest. The theme 
of the treatise is 'How I Improved 
the Performance of My Car Through 
Cleaning' and the prize is an auto, 
with the brand not specified. 

Moment before the program's 
fadeout is allotted Knight for 
trailer purposes; His next program 
(4), he- announced, will elect the 
Byrd Antarctic expedition as its 
source of raillery. Odec. 



'RIGHTVILLE CLARION' 

Participating 

30 Mins. 

COMMERCIAL 

WTIC, Hartford 

Participating programs repre- 
senting a 50-50 swap of one song 
or bit of dialog for one advertising 
spiel need an. adroit touch, to make 
them, bearable. WTIC employs a 
clever device to erase the straight 
advertising curse. One minute 
plugs are introduced as seeds in an 
entertainment watermelon, con- 
ducted by an ancient editor of -the 
•RightviHe Clarion,' a mythical 
newspaper. 

Comment, philosophy, small, town 
humor and a- miscellany of phono- 
graph records punctuate and sep- 
arate the advertising accounts, 
which include a double play from 
Giliett e._B lue blade_s, .,a _lp cal g ry 

"cleaner, ^oclge motors,- Frieh3 1 s 
baked beans. Mankind Brand dog 
and cat food, etc. Advertisements 
are delivered over the air as if read 
from the pages of the RightviHe 
Clarion. 

--~Gent--who-plays the— editor-has-^a 
mellow Voice, easy to like. Sta- 
tion announcer also nice. On the 
program reviewed an amateur 
guest artist, Eunice Ford, sang 
nicely, although the station felt im- 
pelled to stress her amateur status. 

• Land. 



LET'S GET FRIENDLY 
J. Hollis Smith, Bo Bufort, Thorpe 
Westerfield and the Melody Maids 
30 Mins. 
Sustaining 

WBT, Charlotte, N. C. 

This program or its equivalent 
ran for years on WOR, where Smith 
was assisted . by Lina Anger, of 
vaudeville. Now at WBT in charge 
of production; he has transported 
the show, with a new gal assistant 
arid other embellishments that in- 
clude a first-class trio—rModerri 
Melody Maids, being presented for 
the first time; 

Bu Bufort (Mrs. Bill Elliott) as 
'Bubbles' isn't comic enough, but 
what she lacks in giggles she makes 
up for in a couple of torch numbers: 
In the dialog she sounds too force- 
ful and assured Instead of the. giddy 
dope she is supposed to be; 
; Smith, with- a £0Pd voice arid per- 
sonality, carries the bulk of the 
comedy and patter. The songs are 
popular numbers of a few years 
back, for the most part. At times 
accompaniment suggested insuffi- 
cient rehearsal. 

Trio, a la Boswell, consists of 
Clemie Reid* Mary Skidmore and 
Doris. Helms. ' Thorpe Westerfield 
is a guitarist. 



FRANK MERRIWELL 

With Donald Briggs, Jack Mather, 

Tommy Donahue, Charles Eggle- . 

•ten, Dolores Gillen, Monsur 

Kelly 
Serial 
15 Mins. 

COMMERCIAL . 
WEAF, New York 

Frank Merrlwell, 40 years a ju- 
venile in popular fiction,, comes to 
the radio modernized in speech and 
outward aspect, but still the manly 
paragon of n' stinence and honor he 
always was. His creator, Gilbert 
Patten, better known as Burt L. 
Standlsh, is authoring the air ver- 
sion. Patten is nearly 70 years of 
age, having devoted most of his life 
to turning out some 300 books and 
whatnot concerning this stalwart 
hero. 

Merrlwell ought to do well, for 
Dr. West's toothpaste. Sponsor has 
bought more than another youth- 
ful, adventure yarn. It's a legendary 
figure,, a familiar synonym for 
schoolboy heroics. That has time- 
tested and sentimentally hallowed. 
Stories lend themselves to easy 
transplanting. Patten can extract 
plenty of serviceable material from 
his own store of published stuff. A 
few deft touches to make It topical 
will bridge the gulf .of years. Sin- 
gularly little change has occurred 
in juvenile literature. Naturalism, 
expressionism, or other isms have 
never .disrupted . the firm hold of 
Merrlwell, Tom Swift, Dick Rover 
arid King Brady. 

Dentifrice has a premium bait as 
a sales stimulant. Two empty car- 
tons of. the large-sized tubes can 
be swapped by mail for a live rac 
irig Louisiana turtle." Giving away 
of. live pets is sufficiently novel to 
captivate the fancy of plenty of 
youngsters. A mass attack on drug 
store stocks ought to eventuate. 

Meanwhile the actual program is 
of average merit. Merrlwell is in 
troduced just about to matriculate 
at Bardale Academy. His glories 
are in the future. Patten uses the 
narrative device of immediate clash 
between sharply delineated charac- 
ters, Merrlwell;- and the nasty lad. 

Land. 



'HOOSIER PHILOSOPHER' 
Tramp Starr 

30 MJns._ _. .__ 

Sustaining 

WO WO, Fort Wayne 

Consists mainly of short philoso- 
phic squibs and rhymes gathered 
together by newcomer to station. 
Tramp . Starr hails from WLW 
..where he was a- feature- for some- 
time. Local schedule has him on 
twice dally, first at 2:30 for full 
half-hour Which reaches the farm 
areas, and then at 9:30 In the eve- 
ning for general: consumption. 

Organ fills In for background at- 
mosphere. 



EDDIE PEABODY 
Banjoist 
COMMERCIAL 
WJZ, New York 

Prior to coming to Manhattan this 
'demon of the strings' was reviewed 
by Variety from KGO, San Fran- 
cisco where he was getting the 
Pacific coast record salary of $400 
per broadcast for a grocery house. 
In New York besides an introduc- 
tion ; by his manager, Rudy Vallee 
on the • Flelachmann hour Peabody 
is. appearing nightly as an attrac- 
tion at. the • Holly wood restaurant 
and" on Saturdays is the brightness 
of the WJZ. (local) Pure Oil broad- 
cast. ., 

'A musician of varied accomplish- 
ments with years of picture house 
work , behind him Peabody rings 
much to radio and is handing in 
good performances for Pure OIL 
His technique pn the .banjo is fre- 
quently electrical in brilliance. He 
also rattles with equal facility on a 
number of Other string Instruments 
arid has pleasant speaking voice. 

Land.: 

BOB BECKER 
Dog Stories 
15 Mins. 
COMMERCIAL 
WGN, Chicago 

Becker is the ace' animal fancier 
of the midwest. ..He goes back be* 
fore radio, doing animal columns 
for the Chicago Tribune. And to- 
day he is writing a day '-by-day ac- 
count of the Chicago Tribune ex- 
perimental farm. He knows an- 
imals, and what's more, knows how- 
to tell about them interestingly. 

For the/ Red Heart dog food eohi- 
pany he is doing two 15-mlnute 
shots weekly, on Monday and 
Wednesday evenings at seven 
o'clock. It's a happy time and 
wisely selected by the Henri, Hurst 
and McDonald agency to get the 
heads of 'the family around : the 
loudspeaker. Dogs are largely a 
masculine hobby and at seven p.m. 
the male worker is just through 
siipper and grabbing, himself a 
pipeful of tobacco. 

Program is not only Interesting 
in itself, but is certain to capture' 
the dog lover's ear and heart. With 
the final punch being that the pro- 
gram itself leads directly to the 
product to be sold. The start, body 
and finish of the show is dog food. 
Must be a winner, any way you fig- 
ure it; 

Becker chatters amiably, about 
dogs, their habits and goes Into a 
heart- tug story of some canine, 
miracle occurrence. He. mentions - 
house-breaking, the canine Intel* 
ligence, overcoming! timidity, teach- 
ing the dog a vocabulary. All hon- 
est- to-goodness stuff for any dog*, 
owner. 

Bulk of the program Is" a story, 
perhaps of some act of heroism, or 
a dog lost half-way across the con- 
tinent battling its way home. 

Throughout, a radio gem in work* 
manship, showmanship and sales* 
manshlp. Oold. 



THE OLD THEATRE 
A. Winfield Hoeny 
Dramatic Readings 
15 Mins. 
Sustaining 
WOR, Newark 

Through this 15-minute frame, 
coming . in the early evening 
Wednesdays, WOR does fine obeis- 
ance to Shakespeare. Aside from 
the tasteful way the dish is served 
up, credit is due the outlet for 
bringing to the mike one of the 
finest speaking voices now gracing 
the wavelengths in the New York 
sector. To the sensitive ear the 
charm with which A. Winfield 
Hoeny and his resonant basso give 
life and meaning to a dramatic ex- 
cerpt from the Bard's works Is a 
treat. 

Program dedicates itself to the 
great dramatic, actors and actresses 
•of the past, -Hoeny opens arid 
clones his -readings with an ode 
titled,- 'My Shakespeare Sweet!' It 
makes a fitting bracket to his dra- 
matic gleanings. With him in these 
prose recitals are other players but 
this support Is pretty much limited 
to feed purposes. Hoeny heightens, 
the effect of his longer speeches 
arid soliloquies through the discreet 
use of incidental music. 

Stanza could stand some im- 
provement ' on • the technical end. 
Hoeny should be cautioned against 
standing too close to the mike. Re- 
action of his lower frequencies on 
the loudspeakers would perhaps be 
much more In his favor if the studio 
technicians gave him steering 
hand. Odec. 



THREE JAY BOYS 
Novelty Music 
15 Mins. 
Sustaining 

W MC Ay-New York-- 



Sniffy trio belonging to the school 
of. negroid music of which the well 
known Mills Brothers are the No. 1 
exponents. Piano, , guitar, two 
voices furnish the foundation for 
the Jays. — 

Typically Harlemesque song, 'I've 
Got Horses and Numbers On My 
Mind' is as good a clue as any to 
the kind of talents the Jays repre- 
sent and the kind of material they 
use. 

Entertaining. Land. 



FRANCO HI- JINKS. 

With Johnny Murray, Swor and 
Goode, Sally, Pasquale, Earl Hod- 
gins, Kihgs' Men, Don Sniith, 
. Jimmy Tolson,. Jeanne Dunne, 
Jack Joy's Orchestra 

COMMERCIAL 

KFWBr H6I lywooar ■ " r 

This program has kept in first 
place over all local air vaude pro- 
grams for more .than two years. 
Fault of most of this type locally 
has been the mediocrity, of the com- 
edy stuff— but too— IJWinkSr— built^ 
almost Wholly for laughs and min- 
imizing music, continues to rate No. 
1 because of its freshness. 

Popularity^ of the broadcast Is 
manifest in the fact that whenever 
it is' put into auditoriums for free 
(Continued on page' 44) 



Tuesday* April 3, 1934 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



39 



Inside Stuff-Radio 



Efforts of Los Angeles newspaper publishers to negotiate peace be- 
tween the papers and KFI and 'KNX, which are refusing to take the 
bulletin service as. arranged under the network-newspaper pact proved 
futile. roadcasters politely told the publishers they would conduct, 
their business as they saw fit arid hoped the newspapers would do like- 

W KFI and KNX are serviced by the independent radio news gathering 
organization which was started by KNX, and is tied co-operatively with 
other stations up and down the Coast and through the. mlddlewest. 

Undercover, talk arriong the newspapers oh the: Coast of eliminating 
logs of stations that take the independent service, but as yet has riot 
gone . beyond the talk stage. 

Young chap heading an agency associated with his father's coast chain 
is reported to have gone haywire -in the methods of ; operating his busi- 
ness. Is dictatorial in dealings; With artists who, though Jiot under con- 
tract to his organization, he will not permit taking spot dates , out of 
town for fear that it might hurt them when he required them for a single 
appearance on a sustaining program coming out of the main station. 

He also disregards veteran radio people associated; ith him,, telling 
them that a pal of his who writes songs, and is his constant . adviser, 
knows more about producing shows and bookings than his entire organ- 
ization. 

If Jerry. Crowley, AV1P Philadelphia program exec, has his way, there'll 
be no more free periods donated by local outlets to pic and legit, 
houses. Previously, attitude has been that names from the theatres 
were good station publicity as well as a plug for the theatre. 

-Crowley, after doing some sub-rosa investigating,, believes that the- 
atres would pay for" time if the stations didn't throw it at them, And 
the new angle calls for all houses buying a weekly 15 -minute period to 
be considered as bought ..space in a newspaper, while any other donated 
'time could, be likened to a free reader. 

Variety's weekly surveys of various cities are nearing their conclusion 
and will be summarized for a final verdict on the subject, 'Do fans know 

BP Mea 0 nWhne many sidelights have been obtained by Varibtt through 
the gathering of the data. This week the tabulation for Albany, New 
York, is published. In that city a resident took home Ave questionnaires 
for the members of his family to answer. 

Unable to fill In every space, his grown-up daughter tore up her sheet 
and the other four because she 'was afraid that if every one . of the 
spaces was not filled in the programs would be taken off the air, 

Gov Paul V. McNutt of Indiana is considering use of $20,0.00 from his 
contingency fund to match a similar amount raised by popular subscrip- 
tion for ?he proposed state radio system, Plans call, for ^mediate ' 
tion of five transmitters for. short waves. It is estimated that $40,000 
wniilfl set the work well underway/ 

For^t Wayne Ts included in the program, which will have four , of the 
stations located in corners of state with the fifth at Indianapolis. State 
eafety department is anxious to speed up the program. 

CBS took a survey of the relative photo breaks it got in the dailies 
nationally - for ?he two weeks between February 15. and 29 and found 
"hat though NBC sends out twice as many pictures Columbia had tops 
by a substantial margin. Of the half tone, columns crashed by the two 
webs for this period CBS garnered 58% and NBC 42%. 



Hog Caller Proves It 



Lincoln, April 2. 
WJAG regrets its invitation 
for one Fred Patzel, champion 
hog caller, to exhibit his wares 
in their studio. )' . 

With the first fancy Poland 
China haloo, the station went 
off the air arid the voluminous 
voice cost the establishment 
something like $500 to repair 
the havqc stricken equipment. 



Chicago Needs Prestige; Fears N. Y. 
May Dismantle Town; Agcies-Webs 
Blame Each Other on Showmanship 



AIR ROTARY CIRCUIT 





Team 



irculates 
hburgh, 



NOW FULL TIME 



Chi NBC Gets a Good 
Job Done; Finds Name 
For Male Quartet 



Chicago, April 2.: 
They had a lot of fun finding a 
new name for the Crusaders, male 
quartet. For a month they were 
the Nameless Quartet. After much 
oogltation they were tagged the 
Sovereigns. 

Runrier-up title was the Bach- 
elors but this was sloughed when 
three of the four yelped that they 
had fraus. NBC probably doesn't 
know' even now there's an act In 
vaude called the Four Bachelors. 
And they sing. 

1-Min. Dramas Plug 
P. & G. Drene Product 

-ChicagD,~April 2.' 
Series of one-minute announce- 
ments for Drene, Procter and 
Gamble product, being recorded by 
the Columbia Phonograph studios 
here. 

Spotted through Kastor 
agency; the announcements will be 
dramatization , Cast includes For- 
est Lewis,, Elizabeth Harriott and 
..Dorothy Dawson, Harlow Wilcox 
is doing the commercial top-'off 
Wilcox is an NBC contract an- 
nouncer but" NBC had to come 
through with the okay in this in- 
stance with Procter arid Gamble Ori 
NBC here With a 30-minUte local 
show for American Family soap. 



Woodbury Adds Six Wks. 
For Crosby and Grier 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Blng Crosby, with Jimriile Grier 
and orchestra, have extended their 
contract with Woodbury Soap for 
an additional six weeks following 
their 13th week of broadcasting, 
v';ich terminates April 9. 

Program being etherized rom 
here , over the NBC network. 



Hartford, April 2... 
more than three years of 
petitioning the 50,000 -watt ravel- 
ers Insurance Broadcasting Sta- 
tion WTIC has received permission 
to extend its operating schedule 
from a partial to a full-time basis 
from the Federal Radio Commis- 
sion. This schedule Will go into 
effect some time during April. 

Hartford transmitter which - op- 
erates ori 1060 kilocycles and has 
a power tutput of 50,000 watts will 
henceforth, broadcast oil a fre- 
quency of 1040 kilocycles sharing 
the wave length with KRLD of 
Dallas, Texas, owned, by the Dallas 
Times-Herald. The plan accepted 
by the Federal commission is one 
proposed by Daniel Reed of the 
Travelers and J. Clayton Randall, 
WTIC plant manager. 

New arrangement will not iri- 
volve synchronization inasmuch as 
Travelers is affiliated with the NBC 
arid Dallas with the CBS chain. 
Plan provides for Station KTHS of 
Hot Springs to shift from 1040 kilo- 
cycles to 1060 kilocycles which it 
will share with WBAL of Baltimore. 

Several months of testing by the 
Hartford arid Dallas transmitters 
proved the feasibility of the project. 
Engineers claim therfc Will be no 
interference. 

» 

WIRE TOLLS CAN BE 
CUT— J. W. BARRETT 



incinnati, April 2. 
Al Pete are Vending har- 

mony and cbmlc patter in new se- 
ries for Fleetwlng Oil Company in 
thrice-weelciy airings from three 
cities. Team blasts' Monday 
nights fror\ 8:15 to 8:30,over WLW, 
here. "Thursdays find , 'em. in Pitts- 
burgh to face mike dt KDKA from 
8:45 . m., and. ori Saturdays 

they are heard from Cleveland via 
WTAM, starting at T p. in. 

They are. backgrounded by an In- 
strumental foursome headed by 
Stubby Gordon and his 'whispering' 
clarinet; with piano, guitar and 
string bass support. 

Wve Decided on Music, 
You Like It, Don't You?' 
Packard Pauses to Ask 



'Boy Reporter* Vacash 

Chicago, April 2.. 

Kducalor Biscuit* through Black - 
etA-Sample.-,Hu mmer t^ 
this week calls a halt on the trari- 
scriblng of the 'Dick Steele, BOy 
Reporter' show now on WGN. Has 
completed 65 discs of the show, 
which is figured enough to keep the 
show going on the spot trammiit- 
ters until late in May. 

Show continues in the Hcsh on 
WGN, the Chicago Tribune station 
here, and likely to stick until the 
end of May, when it thicks off Hie 
ether for the summer. 



WOR-Roxy Tieup 



WOR's ori inatlon of 'Footlight 
Echoes' from the ftoxy tonight 
(Tuesday) makes the first time that 
a regular sustaining program has 
received its pickup from a vaud- 
fllm stage in the New York area. 
Arrangement between the station 
and the .Roxy calls for a repetition 
of the weakly half-hour pickup 
through Match. ■> 

Sessions T include Veronica Wig- 
gins, Jack Arthur, Verna Osborne, 
Mary Mercker and the Crusaders 
quartet. 



James W. Barrett, head man of 
the Radio-Press News Bureau, ex- 
plains that regional networks can 
achieve considerable economies on 
Wire charges by working Out a cen- 
tral distributing point. Barrett's 
explanation to Varibtt. is prompted 
by a story from Lancaster, Penn- 
sylvania, giving the small station 
slant on the news bulletin expense. 

Each station using the service 
must, of course, pay $12.50 a month 
membership dues, but there is no 
reason why wire charges cannot be 
circumvented. In the case of Lan- 
caster the daily line charges can be 
worked out at $5,80 instead of the 
.reported $7.50, Barrett declares. 

Stations will obtain material ac- 
cording to which of the three 
centres — New York, Chicago, or Los 
Angeles— they are nearest. Los An- 
geles service, however, will be cn^ 
tlrely different from the easterri 
bulletins and will be essentially 
western in tone and interest. 



Packard Motor has decided to 
take a. 13- week flier NBC, but 
before contracting for the program 
it is quizzing, the owners of Pack- 
ards for their preference iri radio 
entertainment. Direction of the 
Packard directorate's choice Is indi- 
cated by the way this question-, 
naire, which went out to the cus- 
tomers last week, is phrased; Query 
asks whether . there is any . type of. 
program that' the person addressed 
prefers to a symphony orchestra: 
and, if so, what that class of 
show is. ; 

With Cecil, Warwick and Cecil 
as the. agency instigating the show, 
NBC recently auditioned, for Pack- 
ard a symphonic unit of 100 pieces 
headed by Walter Damrosch and 
with John B. Kennedy as narrator. 
Among the other programs heard 
by the car manufacturer is a series 
of dramatizations based on Mark 
Sullivan's 'Our Times;' This audi- 
tion was prepared by Young-Rubi- 
cam, the current agency . on the 
Packard account. 

Young-Rubicam idea, would have 
each of the programs cover some 
outstanding event in American his- 
tory .within the past four decades. 
Each broadcast would: run 45 min- 
utes and Use a Don Voorhees unit 
as the musical background. 

Packard figures to start Monday 
(9) on the blue (WJZ), 10.45 p. m 
EST. 



Chicago, April 2. 
worrying about its 
firures. 

t ■ . 

The figures the auditors In New 
Yor analyze and directorates dis- 
cuss arid ' that give rise to those 
:.:ghtmare rumors that New York 
may, might, or could dismantle mid- 
western offices on the plea Of un- 
warranted overhead. A number of , 
important shows have moved east 
recently causing change; in ChU 
cago ' radio .arithmetic and furrow r- 
ing Chicago, brows anew. 

There are two sides to the ques- 
tion and problem, 'what's wrong 
with . Chicago On one side the 
advertising agencies blame the' net-, 
works as deficient in ingenuity,, 
lacking in showmanship, and unable 
to. compete as to talent or ideas with 
what New York can Offer. Reversely 
the networks argue that the Chicago 
advertising agencies are manned by 
favorite nephews and 'other young- 
.sters who don't know what they 
Want and seek to shift the blame 
; for. their; own indecisions, and 
certainties on the Webs. 

Campaign to raise Chicago's 
showmariship prestige dates back 
several years. While the complaint 
may be that the networks have not 
been entirely successful In develop- 
ing new talent and programs it lfl 
certainly a matter of record that, 
so far as hiring and firing and trial' 
and error are valid evidence they 
have tried. 



VINCE INSURES NBC 
9-10 HR. FOR FALL 



To-day as in the. past critics 
the network make the point- that* 
the webs shine as salesmen but not 
as showmen. Iri: rebuttal the net- 1 
works point to the notorious vague- 
ness of radio sponsors and the. notO* 
r'ious stalling and shadow-boxing 
of advertising agencies and ask how 
they, can provide material or per- 
sonalities to' please/ guys who 
change their .mind with their socks. 

Chicago's, best .brfeaks during the 
past season have come through 
local dance orchestras. 



SGHIITZ' SHERDEMAN 

Chicago, April 2. 

Ted E. Sherdeman has quit the 
NBC program department to be- 
come radio production manager for 
the Stack-Goblc agency. Sherde- 
man's main concern on the new job 
will be the Schluz Brewing Co: 
show which debuts on CBS April 13; 
Program's idea is his own and he 
will the writing as well as the 
producing. 

Prior to coming with NBC. 
Sherdeman was on the producing 
staff of KMOX, St. Louis. Con- 
nection before that was CBS's Chi- 
cago studios. 

W0W0 EXEC TO KFEL 

Fort Wayne, April 2. 

A. W. Johnson, first vice-presi- 
dent of WOWO, has announced his 
resignation to accept a new 'post on 
KFEL, Denver. New position went 
into effecf Aprin:"" No successor 
to be named here until October. 

Johnson came here from Stude- 
baker corporation iri South Bend, 
where he was located for 15 years. 
It Is understood ho- will be in sal", s 
department at Wostorn station. 



5-Week Layoff for King 



Chicago, April 2.. 

Number of bands will substitute 
for the Wayne King orchestra On 
the Lady Esther shows when King 
starts a flye- week vacation on M a V 
5. King band will not play any 
dates during this period but .will 
lay off completely. 

Lady Esther is now sending four 
shows: weekly Ovejr .national webs. 

BENGSTON REVIVES SCRIPTS 

Denver, April 2. 

,lmer L. Bengstop. production 
manager of KLZ, is writing and 
directing two programs weekly over 
the station. One is Sportlights, and 
the other Is. .'Code of the Con- 
demned.' The latter is . highlights 
of spy activities in Europe. Both 
have been oh before, but are being- 
revived; 

Sustaining at present. 



DeMarks, WBRC, irmlngham, 
has a broken hand received in an 
accident near Macon, Ga. It put 
.an end to her phiiio playing for a 
w hile. 



William R.. Warner Co., bottler 
of Sloan's Liniment arid Vlnce 
Mouthwash, isn't taking any chances 
on losing its present spot On NBC 
for the coming fall; Commercial 
last week signatured a ■ 1 3.* week 
contract for the: Wednesday night 
9 to 10 niche on the blue (WJZ) 
link, starting Sept. 19. 

Vlnce end , of the account's cur- 
rent series winds up in , three more 
weelts- Cecil, Warwick & Cecil is 
the. agency. 



Gen. Mills' Splurge 

General Mills will do a- one-time 
cross-country whirl on NBC Satur- 
day week, (14) with, the Hne-up of 
picture names 'including-. George Ar- 
liss, Constance Talmadge, Ronald 
Colman, . Loretta , Young, Spencer 
Tracy, Fredrlc March arid Jack 
Oakie, Colman will, function as 
m.c, on the Hollywood pickup. 

Set for splicing into the. hour's 
program from the New York epd 
are John Beal and Florence Rice 
iri a scene from 'She Loves. Me Not/ 
Armida, Tess Gardella and Abe Ly- 
man. --Broadcast -is-slated for-i.-tb.e- 
red (WEAF) network With 7 p.m.", 
EST, the Starting time; 

Milling company did a similar 
one-time, show on CBS March 24. 



Grace t Brown, Author, 
Young-Rubicam Agency, 
In Court Over $2,200 

Suit brought by Grace Z. Brown, 
continuity writer, against Young4 
Rubicam to collect $2,200 which she 
claims is due her in connection with 
the Borden program, '45 Minutes in 
Hollywood' (CBS), reached the sec- 
ond round . last week when the 
agency filed in the City Court an 
answer to .her complaint, Replying 
papers denied that . she had been 
hired for the run of the show, 26 
weeks, or that the. agency owes 
her the sum named in the action. 

In her complaint. Miss . Brown 
contends that she had been brought 
into the Borden Saturday night af- 
fair by Don Stauffer, dramatic di- 
rector for the agency, with the un- 
derstanding that the scripting Job 
was hers while the shOw lasted/ 
Also that the. recompense agreed 
upon was $2,600 to be paid off at 
the rate of $100 a week.' Agency, 
states the complaint, .breached the. 
contract by wrongfully letting her 
out lifter the. fourth week. 

Defense, set up by Young-Rubi- 
cam is that she had been retained 
only on a broadcast to broadcast: 
basis and that she had been 
dropped because the agency had 
found, her not competorit. Answer 
alsb asserts she hadn't enough radio 
eperienco to write the 'Hollywood' 
Continuity rapidly and effectively, 
that she Objected to making changes 
In her stuff- and that even when she 
du; come through with the revision 
the agency's staff had to write th? 
scrlptT ail over dgairi. Included in 
the answer is the allegation; that 
she. rejected the two Weeks' salary 
offered her • in lieu of notice. 

Miss Brown avers that she wrote 
=the^orlglnaW8crlpt=w.hich-=soIdMhe 
show to Borden, 



ie Harri« Renewed".' r " 

Pebeoo has renewed Radie Harris, 
screen interviewer, for 13 more 
weeks on Fridays at 9 p.m. 

Program goes out over WOR, 
WGN and WLW. 



MRS. WHITEMAN VERY ILL 

Paul Whlteman Monday (yester- 
day5"w'as preparing to fly toT5enver 
in the event his mother's Condition 
showed signs of getting worse. 

Mrs. Whlteman was operated on 
In a Denver, hospital following a 
stroke. 

•Jt 



40 VARIETY 



RADIO 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



RADIO CHATTER 



iiu i i itt i.l i.u.l>l .'Kta i.-MfMiliEU.-.RH a l»l -W."L1.-n .PI M L-UH.ftU -M -i-.t-jajW-i 1 i-i.H 1 t l;l 



! 



New York 



Howard Phillip's, baritone oh 
morning commercial - over NBC sang 
In 'Sweet and Low,' has m. c.'d in 
picture houses conducted 
orchestras, and is a composer. 

Chester Vedder who announces 
the addresses oyer WGY from the 
Executive Mansion in Albany had 
the assignment during Governor 
Roosevelt's terms and continued to 
hold it after Herbert H. Lehman 
was elected as F. D* It's successor. 

Bill Meenam. editor WGT'e 
'Scissors and Paste,'.. begun a. 
'Meet the Artist' series. An en- 
tertainer is interviewed each week. 

Hank Keene, leader of a hill-billy 
act over WGY, says he went on the 
air for the first time at the age 
of 11 as a piano soloist over WCK, 
St. Louis. And the chap who pre- 
ceded him at the mike was Little 
Jack Little, whp originally broad-, 
cast over WHAZ, Rensselaer Poly- 
technic Institute station in Troy, 
N. Y. 

William H. Haskell, radio editor 
of the Albany Knickerbocker Press 
and Evening. News, has a new radio 
receiving set and warns artists on 
WJZ. Couldn't get 'em on his old 
set; New outfit was installed by 
Bill Purcell, chief engineer, and Al 
Knapp, control engineer, both of 
WGY. 

Herb Gordon, broadcasting' 
through WOKO from the Ten Eyck 
hotel, Albany,. has composed a new 
song Where Was 1/ Lyrics by Moe 
Jaffe. who wrote ^Collegiate*' 

John W, Nichols of Newburgh is 
doing a new tenor solo program 
every Thursday noon for WGNY at 
^Chester, N. Y. 

Albany High School choir is giv- 
ing a series of four programs from 
WOKO. 

Lee Bolley, announcer at WESG, 
Elmlra, was put on the spQt by be- 
ing forced to submit, to an air inter- 
view by Norbert O'Brien. 

WESG, Elmlra, drew a Pels- 
Nap tha local talent commercial and 
the program consists of Curley 
Johnson's orchestra and Arden Col- 
bert, tenor, on 30 minutes every 
Wednesday morning. 

Henry Gladue, baritone, is among 
the new artists on WESG, Elmlra. 

William Paley due back soon 
from the Bermudas.. . 

Marvin Welt has taken over man- 
agement: of Jimmy Kemper. 

Frank Black grooming Maude 
Runyon for an NBC buildup. 

Peter Van Steeden makes a bid 
for fame with a 'Munschausen 
Waltz.' 

Sophisticates, girl trio, repeating 
for the Roxy stanza over WOR, 
Sunday (7). 

NBC auditioned Clark and Me 
Cullough for Lord. & Thomas last 
week and hiade a recording at the 
oame time. 

l)on Stauffer, Young-Rubicam 
director, sold collector's editions be 
fore getting into radio. 
. Wife of Phillips Lord got a hear 
ing from NBC last week. Act billed 
as Mrs. Phillips Lord and Mr. Kill- 
pack. 

" J. Walter Thompson keeps shift- 
ing' its radio department staff 
around from one part of the build 
ing to the other. 

Lou Little and his Radio Foot' 
ball show among those given an 
ear by the NBC program board the 

Station WHAM broadcast 'The 
Beatitudes/ un oratorio sting by 
students of the Eastman School of 
Music, as an Easter feature Over 
NBC network. . 

Betty Glenn, ex-NBC, Is with 
WNEW publicity dept. 

Aaron Stien, Charles Tighe, C. J* 
Ingram, Meyer Shapiro, among 
radio editors discussing their fa' 
vorlte . subject on WNEW. 

WGY is broadcasting a new morn 
ing commercial which listeners are 
Invited to hear' in Its Schenectady 
studio,: tickets of admission being 
issued by the sponsor, an Amster- 
dam department store; It is the 
first time this pioneer 60,000-Watt 
station has extended such ah invi- 
tation. Billy Rose, tenor, and Dor- 
jfifhy Sherman and Monica Leonard, 
piano duo; are the entertainers. 

New series of mystery dramas, 
written by Frank Oliver, veteran 
member of the . WGY Players and a 
former professional trouper, is now 
^being^pregented^by^the^station's 
Matinee's Players.' Feature takes 
the. place Of .'The Cub Reporter/ 
two-character sketch. Oliver is 
doubling in the cast, supported by 
Robert Stone, Stanley Buelo and 
Patricia Sheldon. 

. Jack Denny has Induced Jeannie 
Lang to drop her giggle, at least 
when in front o£ the mike. 

Edith Murray Joins the Columbia 
Revue Saturday and gets an added 
spot for herself Tuesday (10) at 6:46 
over CBS. 

Two premiers in one- week — the 



General Tire Show (6) and the 
Pennsylvania opening (5)— resulted 
in Don Bestor canceling his booking 
at the Capitol, New York, for the 
week of April 13. 

George B. Stbrer, Federal Broad- 
casting Corp., prcz, has sublet 
Tofnmy Wannamaker's penthouse 
overlooking the Hudson for the 
summer. 

Richard HImber . goes Into Capi- 
tol, N; Y; week of April 13. 

Sedley Brown back from Bermuda 
reported restored from nervous 
breakdown. 

Cliff Hail arid William K. Wells 
ass'ertedly collaborating on a book 
called . 'The Autobiography of a 
Joke,' In defense of old gags. 

Groucho, Chico and Harpo Marx, 
George Jessel; Eddie Cantor, Jack 
Benny, Fx-ed Allen, Al Jolson, Jack 
Pearl supposed to be ' Algonquln- 
luncheoning over question of studio 
audiences. 



New England 



Pilini Insurance Agency of Moht- 
pelier, Vt, Is sponsoring a series 
of health talks by Dr. G. T. Beck 
over .WDEV>. Waterbury. 

WCAX, Burlington,. Vt., selling a 
two-year accumulation of dance 
records at a dime apiece. 

Louis M. Birmingham singing and 
whistling entertainer of WNBX, 
Springfield; Vt.,. Is now making per- 
sonal appearances In Vermont 
churches. 

Ferd LeJeune, former S. S. Levia- 
than orchestra maestro, getting 
steady time at WICC, Bridgeport, 
where he's cet up headquarters. 

Adele Smith, Yale School of Mu- 
sic grad hitherto known as a vlo-r 
llntst, switches to a concert piano 
role at WICC, Bridgeport 

Wednesday Revue, Inaugurated 
at New Haven studios of WICC, 
using Milt George as m.c. and 
Freddy Pleinfe's music. . 

Casa Loiha set for May IT at Rltz 
ballroom, Bridgeport. 

^Connecticut Celebrities,' weekly 
guesting program put on by 
'Bridgeport Herald/ now In second 
WICC year. 

Minerva PI- us, with Fred Allen's 
Bristol and Meyers NBC show, 
among Bridgeport's prides. 

Edith Crocker, Ansonia contralto, 
being readied for WICC . buildup by 
Lou.. Weiss, studio pianist. 

Vie Whitman, WEEI continuity 
writer, is averaging a short story a 
week. Three out of the last four 
sent out have been accepted. 

Nick Parkyakakas (nee Harry 
Einstein of Boston) was spotted a 
third turn Sunday night on the 
Chase & Sanborn show as Eddie 
Cantor's second string stooge. 

Trou bled by reception room llz- 
zards, WEEI took & tip from Chic 
Sale, and replaced Its unholstered 
divans with wooden settees. Vlsi 
tors who used to spend the day 
are now ready to go at the end of 
five minutes. 

In a series of programs just 
started, over the Yankee Network, 
Charles F. Dennee, Boston music 
teacher and ' composer, will treat 
Informally of music and musicians, 
The program will consist of varied 
types of music, with comments and 

explanations by Dennee. 

Charley and Willie, WEETs 
comic strip of the air, who have 
been the backbone of The -Eve 
nlng Tattler, the station's, daily 
participation period, are audition 
ing for a dally Sponsor. 

Roxy and his gang appearing at 
the: Metropolitan makes Roxy'a first 
visit to Boston in nine years. 

General : Ice Cream Company, 
maker of Fro- Joy, began a series 
Monday over the' New England net- 
work. Program Includes orchestra 
and the Frlin Sisters, a Boston 
vocal trio, and originates in the 
studios of WJA R, Providence, 
which feeds it to WEEI, WTIC, 
WTAG, and WCSH. It's a weekly 
half r hour at 6:45 p.nL, Mondays. 



Pacific Northwest 



Archie Presby, KGW-KEX pro- 
gram director and chief -announcer, 
faced an embarrassing situation 
last Sunday morning while ban 
dllng the announcing, of a remote 
broadcast from Lloyd Golf Course 
in Portland. Presby's. trick is to 
give account of tee-off 's, etc. One 
young damsel stepped up to drive; 
Archie suggested that her stance 
was a bit wrong; _jY.es/ she ac 
knowledged, 'I guess it is/ at the 
same time driving a 'ball about 
three hundred yards down the 
fairway. 

Thirteenth anniversary of KGW 
was marked by a series of hoodoo 
events . that exactly fit into the 
popular association of the baker's 
dozen of years. Larry Allen, as- 
sistant manager of KGW, addressed 
a group of school officials in a 
small .town just outside the city. 
As he was announced by the chair- 
(Continued on page 44) 



Ad Agencies' 



(Executives in Charge off Radio 
Advertising Program*) 

N. W. Ayer ft. Son, Ino. 

600 Fifth Ave., N. T, C. 
Douglas Coulter. 
Batten, Barton, Durstine 4 

Osborne, Inc. 
MS Madison Ave, N. T, Q, 
Arthur Pryor, Jr. 
Herbert Sanford. 

Benton ft Bowf**, In*. 

444 Madison Ave, N. T. C 
Hi, M. Ruffner. 

iow Co., Ino. 
821 Fifth Ave; N. T. ft 

Milton Blow. 

laek*tt-8ampl*-Humm*rV In*. 
180 Park Ave*, N. Y. C. 

Frank HUmmdrt 
Oeorg* Tormey. 

Blackman Co. 
lfl BL 42d St., N. T. «. 
Carlo De Angells. 

Campbell-Ewafd C*. 

Gen. Motors. Bldg., N. T. 6. 

. Halstead Cottlngtoa. 

Cecil, Warwick ft Cecil, In*. 
110 Park Ave, N. T. C. 

J. BL MoKee, 

The Paul Cornell Co. 
680 Fifth avenue, N. T. C 
I* 8. Caskln. 

8amuel C. Croot C*. . 
88 West 44th street, N. T. C. 
Arthur. Anderson. 

Erwln, Wasey ft Co* In*, 

420 Lexington Ave„ M. T. C 
Charles Gannon. 

William Esty ft Co, In*. 

100 B. 42nd St, N» %i «. 

William Esty. 
John Esty 
Edward Byron. 

Federal Adv. Agen*y 
444 Madison Ave,, N. T. «. 

Mann Hollner. 

Fletcher ft EH I* 

Ml Madison Am 
Lawrence Holcomb. 

Gardn*r Advertising ft*. 

880 W. 42d St, K. T. C. 
B. Martini. 

Gotham Co. 
860 Park Ave. N. T. ft. 
A. A. Kron. 

HanfF-Metzger, ht*. 

T4S Fifth Ave. 

Loote A Witten. 

Jo**ph Katx O*. 
84T Park Ave, N. T. fJL 
Adela Landau 

Lambert ft F*a*l*y v In*. 

400 Madison Ave, M. T. CJ. 
Martin HorreU. 

t*nn*n ft Mltoh*IL la*. 

IT & 46th St. K. T, ft. 
Arthur Bergh. 
Ray Vlrden. 
Robert W. Orr; 

H. E. Leaan Advertising Ag*ney 
480 Lexington Av*. 
John. S. Martin. 

Lord ft Thomas 
84T Park Ave, N. Y. C 

Montagu* HacketL 

MeCann-Eriokson, In*. 

286 Madison Av*, K. T. C, 
Dorothy Barstow. 

Newell- EmmetL In*. 
40 & I4th St, N. Y. a 
Rlohard Strobrtdg*. 

Paris ft Peart 
8f0 Lexington, Ave, N. Y. 

K X. Cbgan. 

Peek Adv. Ag*noy 
8fl Madison Av*, K. Y. C. 
Arthur Slnsatlmer. 

Pedlar ft Ryan, In*. 
860 Park Ave, N. Y. C 

David F. Crosier. 
Edward Longstreth, 

Frank Presbrey Co. 

847 Park Ave, N. Y. a 
Fulton Dent 

Ruthrauff ft Ryan, Ino. 

- Chrysler. Bldgo N« T« Cr 



Barry Ryan. 
Elizabeth Black, 

J. Walter Thompson Co. 

420 Lexington Ave, N. Y. C. 

John V. Reber. 
Robert Colwell. 

Young ft Rubieam 
886 Madison Ave., N. Y. C. 

Hubbell Robinson. 
W. R. Stuhler. 



Zomar Zowies WSOC 



Charlotte, N. C, April 8. 
Karl Zomar, psychologist, set a 
hew record for Instantaneous popu- 
larity at WSOC with his 'Counsellor 
in Personal Problems' spot 

Zomar came to the Charlotte sta- 
tion from WBRC, Birmingham. He 
has been conducting programs of 
this nature from various stations 
for the past seven years. After his 
first six broadcasts over WSOC his 
mall surpassed a combination of 
everything, else ' coming to the. sta- 
tion. 



NBC EXPLAINS 





Majority of station managers on 
NBC's payroll were brought in last 
-week so that the sales department 
could explain' to them th* details of 
the network's entry Into the field of 
program recording and spot broad- 
casting. 

P. G. Parker, operations head In 
the Chicago-area, represented KOA; 
Denver, as well as WMAQ and 
WE NR. Among the, others oh hand 
for the meeting were William S. 
Hedges, KDKA, Pittsburgh, Walter 
Myers, WBZ, Boston, Kolln Hager, 
WGY, Schenectady; and Webster 
Smith, WTAM, leveland. 



Frisco Exec Shifts 



San Francisco, April 2. 
Change in the exec setup at NBC 
has Cecil Underwood promoted from 
production manager to assisting 
Lew Frost, program manager. As-, 
slstant's post Is newly created and 
means splitting part Of the duties 
of that department. 

Underwood's former post of pro- 
duction chief is taken, by Donald 
Cope, who moves up from a pro- 
ducer's desk, -where he has been 
staging the transcontinental Care- 
free Carnival and other shows. 
•Another shift is on the musical 
staff, where Walter Beban bows out 
as batohlst on April 8 after a num- 
ber of years, on the stand. His spot 
is to be taken by Clyde Doerr, who 
has been on the eastern networks. 
Remainder of directors unchanged 
except for temporary absence of 
Emil Polak, who Is off on a leave of 
absence to rest up from a near- 
nervous breakdown. 



CANADA GETS TOUGH 

$5 Fines 8oeked on Receiving Set 
Tax Evaders 



Toronto, April 2. 

As a means , of scaring, thousands 
of. radlo'-tax evaders, dozens of 
citizens are appearing in special 
courts dally and are being fined $5 
or five days' In jail for not comply- 
ing with Federal regulations. Radio 
Inspector 8. J. Ellis claimed that 
many radio- owners had received 
five or ili notieea that lfcenaes'ffiu^t 
be renewed and had ignored these. 

While the fine at 'present asked 
was only $5, the Radio Act provides, 
for penalties up to 8500 and, In the 
future, this sum may be Increased. 
Proof that the 1934-86 license has 
been paid does, hot offset . the 88 
charge on the 1933-34 fee outstand- 
ing. Claim Is that If citizens can 
afford, a radio; they can afford the 
license fee. 



WOC Start Delayed 

Dubuque, April 2. 

Probably will be May 16 before 
Colonel B. J. Palmer's WOC radio 
outlet goes on the air, providing 
tangles with, the Federal radio 
commission are Ironed out 

Facilities are ready, but red 
tape holding up the works. 



Charlie Flagler to take out a ra- 
dio show for KSO in several Iowa 
theatres. 



Mills Music, Inc., has taken over 
publication of 'I Won't Think About 
Tomorrow,' Jay Gorney tune which 
Universal has set for the., picture, 
'A Pair of Sixes.* Same publishing 
house will release on this side the 
Soore of rltish Gaumont's "Aunt 
Sally.' 



JOHN ROYAL ON 
GOOD-WILL 
TOUR 



Latest twist to NBC's campaign 
of good will directed toward its 
affiliates Is a round the country tour 
for John RoyaV Network's program 
department, head will be gone from 
his office from four to six weeks. 
For most of his jumps he will use 
a plane. 

In his handshaking swing Royal 
will try to listen In to as many pro- 
grams as he can find time and, 
asked, suggest talent combinations 
and Showmanship Ideas. Tour will 
take In every one of the outlets un- 
der NBC operation. 



FANCHON AND MARCO 
KMTR HOUR REVUE 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Fanchon ft Marco go on the air 
over KMTR with a one-hour Satur- 
day night broadcast by remote con- 
trol from Its Hollywood studios 
starting April 7. Program will be 
a revue made up Of students of 
their school, spotted between 8 and 
9. as a sustalner. 

A daily 15 -minute program also 
goes over the same station from the 
F&M studios, set for. late after- 
noons. One of . the weekly programs 
will be labeled 'The Magic Key,' 
sponsored ,by Remington Rand 
Corp.,. with the leading characters 
named Jerry and .Jean Remington. 



Here and There 



WSFA, Montgomery, in co-oper- 
ation with the Alabama Journal, 
sponsored an automobile show 
March 22 to 24. 



W. H. Cherry, formerly on pub- 
licity for General Electric In 
Schnectady, how with the KMOX 
continuity department in St. Louis. 



.Ray Henderson, formerly of 
Scott-Howe-Bowen and the Ruth- 
rauff ft Ryan agency, has joined 
the sales staff of -KMOX, St. -Louis. 



KGW's veteran dramatic presen- 
tation, 'Covered Wagon Days,' and 
one of the ten oldest drama's la 
the entire U. S. shifts from tradi- 
tional Wednesday night production 
to new date of Monday. Recently 
extended for ah additional year. 



Morgan Sexton, Jr., has resigned 
as program director, of WHBF, Rock 
Island, 111., after a three-year sit 
and Is tentatively slated for post at 
WOC, Davenport 



Bob McConnell, brother of Smil- 
ing Ed, doing three sustainers for 
WROL, Knoxvllle. 



Lum and Abner are in' Minneap- 
olis to broadcast for 13 weeks from 
station WCPQ, local Columbia 
chain unit 



Eddie, Marble handling new 
morning program for KOL, Seattle, 
as 'Sunny Sam the Calirox Man'. 



Walter E. Myers, New England 
Represe ntat ive Of NBC and man- 
ager of WBZ and WBZA, is serving 
as a member of the Board of Judges 
making awards in the 1934 Better 
Copy Contest of the Public Utilities 
Advertising Association. He is pres- 
ident of the Advertising Club of 
Boston. 



Ann Pennington Bang a number, 
on what was said to be her first ap- 
pearance before the mike as a 
.warbler .,- during ;a ,. midn ight ..broad* , 
cast with Johnny Johnson's orches- 
tra over WGY. 



Al Triggs, former manager of 
WIAS, Ottumwa, now production 
manager, KSO. Other station 
changes include Jean Herrlck as 
head of promotion department and 
George I,ampman as head of con- 
tinuity. Woody Woods, formerly of 
KSO, will po into advertising pro- 
motion toother w-ith an entertain- 
ment agency. 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



RADIO 



VARIETY 



41 



New Business 



BOSTON 

Gillette Safety Razor Co., 36 an- 
«ouncemei»t« started April 2, through 
Ruthrauff and Ryan, Inc., New 
York. WEEI. 

Shell Batter* Petroleum, 20 an- 
nouncements starting April ._ 13, 
through J. Walter Thompson, New 
York. WEEI. . 

Socony Vacuum Corporation, 13 
announcements, .starting , A P ril 
trough J. Sterling GetcheU, New 
York. WEEL . 

Bodge Motors, 26 announcement* 
starting April 7, through^Ruthrauff 
and Ryan, New York. WEEI. 

General Tire, five announcements, 
started March 26, through Harry M 
Frost Co., Boston. WEEI. 

Leeds, Inc., 18 announcements, 
started March 26, through David 
Malklel, Boston. WEEL 



CHICAGO 
Just Rite Company, Milwaukee, 
through the Gustav Marx advertis- 
ing agency, Milwaukee, for a. series 
of 18 quarter-hour programs at 2 
p. m. Sundays to advertise foods for 
birds and home pets. WLS. 

E, E. Hess, Brook, Ihd., for a 
series of 15 flve-minute programs 
during the Homejnakers Hour on 
Tue$daya For Witch Hazel Cream 
(Rogers and Smith agency, Chicago). 
WLS. 

Coleman Lamp and Stove Com- 
pany, of Wltchita, • Kahs., series of 
26 one-minute ,. dramatized an- 
nouncements during Home Makers 
Hour. (Through World Broadcast- 
ing and Potts-Trumbull and Com" 
pany, N. T.) WLS. 



PHILADELPHIA 

Reliance Mfg. Co., 16 minutes Sat 
urday at 8:46 p. m., 'The Big Tank 
Old Timers' hill-billy act, for 13 
weeks. (Carrol, Peanj Murphy) 
WCAU. 

Lichtey's Jewelry; spot announce- 
ments daily. Signed direct. WCAU. 

Fox-Weiss, three discs a week, 
IB minutes, Monday 11:30, Wednes- 
day and Friday at 6:46. Signed di- 
rect. WCAU. ■ „ e 

Coleman Lamp and Stove Co., 26 
spot announcements for six weeks 
(Potts-Turnbull Agency.) WCAUv_ 

KeVoinator, spot announcements 
dally. Signed direct, for 18. weeks 
WFL 

Carter Medicine Co., three an- 
nouncements weekly for 52 weeks. 
(Spot Broadcasting; A g e n c y.) 
WCAU. 

Dodge Motors, 2$ spot announce 
ments during month of April 
(Ruthrauff and Ryan.) WCAU. 

Gillette Razor, renewal of 36 Bpot 
announcements. (Ruthrauff and 
Ryan,) WCAU. 

Dr. Glaser (dentist), daily an 
nouncements. Signed direct. WD? 

j. A. Tumbler Laboratories (fur 
niture polish), twice dally announce 
ments. (Aitkln-Kyriett Agency) 
WIP. 

Raymond Rosen (Kelvinator) . 
daily announcements. (Feigenbaum 
Agency.) WIP. .• 

B. Miller, Inc. (furniture), daily 
15 minute . musical period. Signed 
direct, 13 weeks. WIP. 

Poos Dye Co, (egg dye), lB-mln 
ute electrical transcription. (ScOtt 
Howe, Bowen Agency). WIP. 

American Theatre Corp., half-hour 
•very Sunday night, remote control 
from stage. Signed direct. WIP. 

B. Schulmdn, 15 r mlnute psycholo- 
gy talks, once weekly. Signed dl 
rect. WIP. 

Goldban Pharmacol Remedy, Tar- 
pinod cough mixture, dally an- 
nouncements. Signed direct. WIP. 
. Remington-Rand Typewriters, one 
16-minute period weekl y, f or eight 
weeks. Signed direct. WDAS. 

Frank and Seder (department 
•tore), five announcements dally, for 
thir teen weeks. Signed direct. 
WDAS. 

Kelvinator, daily time-signals, for 
13 weeks. (Feigenbaum Agency.) 
WDAS. 

Na-Vita Co,, three 16-minute pe* 
riods weekly, for 13 weeks. Direct. 
> WDAS. 

Fox-Weiss, three 16-minute musi- 
cals weekly, for 13 weeks. (Feigen- 
baum Agency.) WDAS. 



PORTLAND, ORE. 

Van Buyns Chocolate . Bhope, local 
account, three months, five minute 
program service. Through Mac- 
Wilkins and Cole Agency. KGW. 

Riverside Log Annex, local ac- 
count, one month 1 announcement 
service. KEX. 

Community Credit Company, local 
account, one year, half-hour pro* 
gram feature 'Homicide Squad,' po- 
lice dramatization, Friday evenings. 
Sold through MacWHkins and' Cole 
Agency. KEX. 

■Rogers Food Store Company, local 
account," announcement.' service 
throughout baseball season. Placed 
direct. KEX. 

Manikin Tea. Products, local ac- 
count, three five minute programs 
per week, two months... Through 
MacWilkins and Cole. KEX. 

Property Service Corp., Ltd.> 
(Lloyd Golf Course), six months' 
program service, -minute jremote 
broadcast, each Sunday morning. 
SOld by station, KEX. 

Walkers Tire and Battery : Service, 
13 weeks, announcement service. 
Placed direct. KEX. 



Spanish Newspaper 
Strike Forces Gov't 
To Air News Items 



Madrid, March 14. 
Newspaper strike Monday (12) 
and Tuesday (13) in Madrid forced 
government to go on the air regu- 
larly with offtolal news bulletins so 
that the home folks wouldn't feel 
lost or alarmed without newspapers. 
Strike started when monarchist 
sheet 'ABC hired an old-time bull- 
fighter to work in the composing 
room. Union workers' walked out 
because the former torero did not 
have a card and the paper refused 
to Are' him.. 

Strike spread to all except the 
Catholic and . Socialist organs, both 
morning papers, so the government 
went on the air over Union Radio 
to dish out the news. ARC im- 
. ported workmen from its Seville 
plant to resume publication, where- 
upon strike in other newspapers 
ended and Socialists, maintained 
strike against ABC alone. This is 
still going on. 



Hise of Goldbergs Tops Amos V Andy 
In Albany Sponsor Identification 



Crockett Mountaineers, now' on 
KNX, Los Angeles, have been sold to 
Crazy Water Crystals Co. by Ber- 
nard, Meiklejohn & McCall for a 
series of discs, to be planted in the 
, east and middle west. 



HARTFORD, CONN. 

Rdnds Dandy Candy Company, 
Shopper and Ad Liner spot an- 
nouncements, dally for six months. 
Placed direct. WDRC. 

Diamond Shoe Stores,. Hartford, 
and six other cities, Ad Liner an- 
nouncements three days a week, in- 
definite. Placed by Hammer Adv. 
Agency. WDRC. 

-"-Chain Candy Stores, Hartford, one 
broadcast a week (renewal). Placed 
direct. WDRC. 

Frederick Raff and Company, re 
neWal, six days a wee k, a nnounce 
ments. Placed direct. WDRC, 

Oakite Products, three times week- 
ly, Shoppers hour, April 9 to July 6. 
Placed direct. WDRC. 

Socony Vacuum Co., Mobiloil and 
gasoline, one minute recordings, 13 
broadcasts from April 7 to May 3. 
Placed by J. Sterling GetcheU Co. 
WDRC. 

Tdber Cadillac, one minute an- 
nouncements. Placed direct. WDRC. 

Frederick's Woman Shop,.. New 
Britain, two announcements a week. 
Placed direct. 

National Candy Company, spot an- 
nouncements every Saturday. Placed 
direct. WDRC. 

Kellogg Sales Company, two five 
minute per day broadcasts, for two 
weeks. Placed direct. WDRC. 

fir. Max and Company, furriers, 62 
spot announcements. Placed by the 
Randall Agency. WDRC. 

South Green ^Furniture^Gompany T 
Ad liner announcements.. Indefinite, 
contract. Placed direct. WDRC. 

Caswell Candy Company, Ad liner 
announcements. Placed direct. 
WDRC. 

Ratcliffe Oil Company, 15 -minute 
transcription, once weekly, 9-9:15 
every Friday night for 52 weeks. 
Placed direct. WTIC. 

Leons Dress Shoppe, Ad liner an- 
nouncements. . Placed direct, re- 
newal. WDRC. 



DES MOINES 

United Air Lnes, 18 five minute 
transcription programs, United air 
dramas. Placed by McCanh-Erlck- 
son, Chicago. KSO. 

Colonial Baking Co., broadcasts of 
city primary and final election re- 
turns, March 13 and 26. KSO. 

Kruidenier Cadillac Co., 13 one- 
minute announcements. Direct. KSO. 

Martha Washington Candies, 62 
chain break announcements. Direct. 
KSO. 

Acme White Lead & Paint Co., 13 
flve-mihute programs by Henri 
Hurst & McDonald, Chicago. KSO. 

French Paint & Glass Co., 13 flve- 
minute programs. 'Interviews with 
Master Painters.' KSO. 

Schmitt & Henry Mfg. Co., 62 
chain break announcements. Direct. 
KSO. 

■ Insurance Underwriters Associa- 
tion, 13 chain break announcements, 
Financial Independence Week cele- 
bration. KSO. _ 

Hudson Jones Automobile Co., 62 
chain break announcements. Direct 
KSO. 

New Utica Clothing Co., formal 
opening, one 16-minute and one 46- 
minute program direct from store 
with NBC 'Merry "Macs' entertain- 
ing; KSO. ' • . 

East Des Moines Business Men's As- 
sociation, six 16-minute ' programs. 
Fast Des Moines Minstrels. KSO; 

Hiland Potato Chip Co., eight 
weeks, dally announcement. Direct. 
KSO. 

Davidson's Furniture Co., five 16- 
mlnute programs and 14 chain break 
programs for a total of 6% hours. 
KSO. 

Fisk Tire Co., eight weeks, daily 
announcement. Direct. KSO. 

Morrell Packing Co., 26 10-minute 
programs. *Headlines of Yesterday.' 
Placed by Henri Hurst & McDonald, 
Chicago. KSO. , . 

Flynn Dairy Co., 70 chain , break 
announcements* Placed by ■ Batten- 
field & Ball, Des Moines. KSO, 

Locust Street Chevrolet Co., , "5.2 
chain break announcements. KSO. 



ments, I p. m., Monday, Thursday 
and Friday, started March 26, ends 
May 26. KOL. Same ' also over 
KOMO. 

Gillette Safety Razor' Co., 86 one 
minute electrical transcriptions 
April 2-21, over KOMO. 

Blackstock Lubr. Co., series of 15 
minute evening programs, dramatic, 
called /Stories of Paul Bunyan," 
Mondays and Fridays, sbc months. 
KJR. 

Wood Conversion Co., started 
March 28, for 7 Weeks, >4 hour dra- 
matic called "Next Door Neighbors,' 
evenings, KJR. 



Most noteworthy single fact in the 
Albany count-up is the emergence 
of 'Rise of Goldbergs' ahead of Ainos 
'n' Andy. This reversal of the usual 
occurs for the first time in Variety's 
city-by-city survey on the prbposi-. 
tion 'do fans know sponsors?' 

Easy Aces, Phil Baker, Edgar A. 
Guest and Joe Pehner are not tabu- 
lated ln : the Albany count. Seven 
persons, or fewer,, correctly named 
the sponsorship in these Instances. 
As in other cities where it is appar- 
ent that distance of an outlet or 
general unfamillarity of community 
automatically works against any 
given program these are dropped, 
In only an instance or two have the 
full. 26 programs on - Variety's ques- 
tionnaire been tabulated any. one 
week 



Only Fort Wayne and Philadel- 
phia remain in Vaiobtt's survey. At 
the conclusion of the city surveys 
there will be a national summary of 
the findings. National, that is, 
east of Des Moines, the furthest 
west , the survey was made because 
of difference in broadcast hours. 

Albany, besides its own WOKO, is 
hear, and easily, reached by WOT, 
50,000 - watter in Schenectady. 
WEAF, WJZ and WABC of New 
York City are also tapped by re- 
ceiving sets in the state capital area, 
Albany rates fairly highly on I.Q. 
and has a large civil service colony. 

All of the 19 newspaper employes 
interrogated work on day shifts and 
are in a position to be familiar with 
night-time radio programs. 
Next week: Port Wayne, 



Program Sponsor Identification 

ALBANY, N. V. 

Questionnaires tabulated from the following: Housewives, ; cpjms- 
ticians, 3; secretaries, 3; electricians, 6; engineers, 5; executives, 2; teach* 



BALTIMORE 

Dek Products Co., 6 spot an- 
nouncements weekly, 2 weeks 
Placed direct. WFBR 

Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co., 15 
minutes, twice weekly, 62 weeks, 
electrical transcriptionv Placed di- 
rect. WFBR. . v 

Sherwood Bros., 13 spot announce- 
ments.* 1 Placed by Van Sant ft Dug- 
dale. WFBR. : 

Hauswald Bakery, spot announce- 
ments, four times weekly, 13 weeks. 
Placed by Emory Adv. Co. WFBR. 

Goucher Garment Co., time service, 
announcements daily, 13 times. 
Placed direct. WFBR. 

Chieftain Mfg. Co., 30 one-minute 
spot announcements, , electrical tran- 
scription. Beginning May 7.- Placed 
by Van Sant & Dugdale, WFBR. 

SEATTLE 



ST. LOUIS 

Pevehf Diary Company, St, Louis, 
three 16-minute programs weekly. 
Through Ruthrauff and Ryan 
agency. KMOX. . 

Thrift Bales Promotion Company, 
three 16-minute programs weekly, 
starting March 16. Placed direct. 
KMOX. 

Lappert Hoos Fur Company, St. 
Louis, time signals, beginning April 
2 for 13 weeks. Through Nash and 
company. KMOX. 

Goodrich-Gamble Company, Min- 
neapolis, 13 time signals. Through 
MoCord agency. KMOX. 

Eagle Discount Stamp Company, 
time signal daily. Placed direct. 
KMOX. 

Iowa Soap Company, one 16-min- 
ute music disc weekly for 13 weeks. 
Through R. J. Potts agency of Kan- 
sas Cltjr. KM OX. 

LOS ANGELE8 
Union OH Co. Don Lee Coast Co 
lumbia from KHJ, Friday, 8-8:30 
p. m., "Cheer Leaders,' with Art Jar- 
rett, Kay Thompson, Rhythm Kings, 
Raymond Paige orchestra, . 

Sterling Insurance Oo^ Friday 
8:46-9 p. m, 'Movieland Gang,' Gene 
Dabney and novelty band. (First 
United Broadcasters.) KNX. 

NASHVILLE 
McCormick <£ Co., Banquet Tea, 
100-word announcements, between 9 
and 11 a. m., Tuesday, Thursday, 
Friday, «8 times beginning May 1. 
Placed by Van Sant, Dugdale and 
Company. WSM, 

NEWARK, N. J. 
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., 13 
weeka, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 
five minutes, Bob Griffin, songs and 
chatter. WOR, . 

Maryland Pharmaceutical Co. 
(Rem), 26-week renewal, time an- 
nouncements and weather forecasts. 
WOR. 

Socony-Vacuum Corp., (Mobioil), 
eight weeks, starting April 17, Tues- 
day, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 
minutes. WOR. ' 

Mennen Co., 13 weeks, beginning 
April 9, Monday, Wednesday and 
Friday, 15 minutes in the evening, 
Ford Frick'e sports resume. WOR. 

W. !». Beyer (Man Kind Dog Food) , 
13 weeka, beginning April 2, Mon- 
day, Wednesday and Friday, Frank 
Dole, dog talks. WOR. 



er, 1; merchant, ; designers, 2; photographers, 
employees, 1$; clerks, 8. 

(87 REPLIES) 

Sponsor 
Correctly 
Named 

Rudy Valleo' i-. , . i •••*• ^ 

Maxwell Show Boat ..... . . v. . . ........ . : 81 

Ed Wyhn .. 
Eddie Cantor 
Metropolitan Opera 
'Rise of Goldbergs' ... 
Wayne King Orchestra 
Myrt and Marge . .. 
Amos 'n' ' Andy ......•••••••«»••♦••••'• 

Jessica. Dragonette .•••••••••••••»••• 

'March of Time' ......,......*•••••*• ••. 48 



laborers, 4; newspaper 



Sponsor 
Wrongly 
Named 



, » • ••••••••••••• 

■ .» • • • • •■■ • • *•♦•••• 



■••••••••••) 



» ••••••• 



75 
75 
65 
63 
62 
62 
59 
65 



Jack Benny s. ..«•»»•••*••••«•• 
Harry Horliok. ...■•*••.••.»»••..»••»••.••••• 

Bing Crosby 

Boake Cartel* ...••••••«•••••••••••••'•• 

Burns and Allen ....... •••••..«<•• 

Paul Whiteman 

Will' Rogers 

Casa Loma' Orchestra 
Olsen and. Johnson . 
Clara, Lu & Ei 



47 
42 
40 
3'7 
36 
36 
25 
25 
. 16 
16 



7 
3 

3 
10 
25 



Sponsor 

Not 
Known 



10 
18 
24 
25 
19 

2S^ 
30 

29 
39 
43 
46 
60 
61 
44 
69 
69 
61 
47 



WNEW Inherits Bands 



Station WNEW, Newark, inher- 
ited' eight dance orchestras from 
WMCA, New York, last week and 
now has 13 in all. Station believes 
this puts it' out front on dansapa- 
tion for New York area and is ac- 
cordingly pushing its broadcast 
hours to 2:30 a.m. to snag late hour 
listeners and build up the. station 
which is two months old. 

Aggregations shifting to WNEW 
Include: Snooks Friedman (Casino 
de Paree), Johnny Johnstone (Para- 
dise), Joe Venuti (Delmonlco's), 
Paul Treraaine (Village Barn), Mil- 
ton Splelman (Net Club), Earl 
Carpenter (Lum Fong's), Jimmy 
Luncefprd (Cotton Club). 

Conoco Switching 

Continental Oil will switch the 
policy of its Wednesday .night ses- 
sion on NBC's blue (WJZ) link as 
soon as it gets set on a name dance 
combo. Account has been airing a 
travelog idea with Irwin Talbot's 
unit furnishing the Incidental mu- 
sic. 

Revised, setup will make the' pro- 
gram a straight mixture ot song 
and band. 



\ Calirox Cookies, Sunny Sam, the 
Calirox Man, 9:15-9:30 Tuesdays 
and Fridays, over KOL, started 
March 27. Indef: 

Bulovd Watch, time signals,, two 
each evening, at 7:00 and 10:30, 
started March 21, over KOL, ends 
one year. . , 

Candy House, 'Ki rother,' 6:10- 
5:15 p. m„ daily except Sunday, 
starts April 2, for one month. KOL. 
Commercial Tire Co^ announce- 



DENVER 

Old Homestead Bread Co., one-half 
hour daily excluding Saturday and 
Sunday, direct from police court, 
| three months, KLZ. . 

Neusteter Co., three preferred 
spots daily. KLZ. 

NEW YORK 

K S~elw^ r Sludids; IKSir (Furriers), 
six 16-minute disc programs a week 
with Dan Russo band and singers. 
WFAS. ' ^ 

CINCINNATI 

Kroger Grocery <6 Baking CO., new 
series of afternoon programs for 
boys by Oklahoma Bob Albright and 
boy band led by Joe Lngar, on 
WSAI, Crosley's small station 
Starts April 2. 



WML SEEK S SITE 

Dallas, April 2. 
Municipal station WRR, In the 
role Of an ihnoceiiit bystander, is 
Just about to be thrown out on its 
nose because its studio sponsor is 
alleged to be in arrears with rent 
paying. 

An attorney representing the 
landlord, appeared before the city 
fathers and revealed that the sta- 
tion's Hilton hotel studio Is not 
actually in the hotel building, but 
in a. wing which the hotel rents 
from .his client. ' 



Cincinnati Reds Lay 
Down Strict Roles on 
Home Game Broadcasts 



Cincinnati, April 2, 

Three smaller of Cincy's five ra- 
dio stations are going in for broad- 
casts of the Reds' ball games this 
season, each paying $2,000 for the 
privilege. In recent years the Reds* 
diamond trials and tribulations were 
aired only by WFBE, indie 260- 
watter. The stations are to have 
separate spielers. • 

Besides WFBE, the CBS local 
link, WKRC, 1,000-watter, and 
WSAI, 2,500-watter and little 
brother of Crosley's 60,000 WLW, 
are to etherize accounts of the 
games this year. 

Heretofore the Cincy baseball 
club, which was recently bought by 
Powel Crosley, Jr., prez of the Cros- 
ley Radio Corp., permitted blasts of 
all home games, except on Satur- 
days, Sundays and holidays. But 
this season , the broadcasters are ~ 
only allowed to give play-by-play 
reports of 13 of the 72 local con- 
tests, and all away-from-home 
games, The latter reports will be 
received by . telegraph and treated 
to play-by-play embellishments c Ac- 
cording to the imagination of the 
boys In charge of local mikes. 

Harry Hartman will be back id 
blaster for WFBE. C. O. 'OatmeaT 
Brown is to handle the Job for 
WKRC and a newcomer to Cincy 
will cast for WSAL 

During the progress of home week 
day games not included In. the pity- 
by-play account schedule, the sta- 
tions will be permitted to make re- 
ports every 16 minutes on high- 
lights, pitching, changes and scores. 



Ken Stuart; KOL announcer, with 
Harold Bratsberg, to call the strokes 
Friday, April 13, on crew races, Cal. 
vs. Wash., oh west coast CBC hook- 
up, the races to be On. Lake Wash- 
ington, Seattle. Short . wave from 
observation train to follow eventB. 
Red Gunston to be engineer in 
charge. 



F. & & ADDITIONS 

Chicago, April 2. 

WHK, Cleveland, has named Free 
& Sleininger as special represent- 
atives in the Chicago and New 
York territories. 

F. & 6. also get WQR and WKBW 
of Buffalo for representation in New; 
York. 



42 



RADIO 



Tuesday, April 3, 193* 



RADIO SHOWMANSHIP 

(Merchandizi and Program Tieups) 



OUTSTANDING STUNTS: 



INQUI ING REPORTER 
WOWO, Fort Wayne, Ind. 



Fort Wayne; • ; 

Borrowing the -.Inquiring- Reporter 
man-on. the-street stunt WOWQ. 
has twisted it around to become a 
man-on-the-aisle .broadcast,- Pa- 
trons .attending the radio-theatre 
performances at the Indiana theatre 
under WOWO auspices are asked 
to -speak from, their seats in reply 
to questions on current events. This. 
Is carried to the airwaves along 
with the rest of the proceedings 
within the theatre. 

.Harry Flannery stooged, by Med- 
ford Maxwell prowls the aisle's with 
the perambuiatbry mike and solicit 
the citizen's comment. It's a two- 
way incentive to public interest, 
getting those within the playhouse 
and those tuned in. 



Joe Penher Contest 

■ Des. Moines... 

Charles Flagler, who runs VKSO's 
Saturday morning shows at the Des 
Moines, opened, a contest " for kids 
imitating Joe Penner. 

Got over 500 entrants the first 
week. 



WFBR's Scout Stunt 

Baltimore. 
WFBR has inaugurated new. pro- 
ram directed, toward children and 
adolescents. Over a 15-minut.e 
stretch one evening weekly .a. high - 
anking Boy Scout interviews a 
successful business man, sport fig- 
ure! or popular llmelighter. on. his 
success formula. Alternate week 
has Girl Scout vis- -vis with suc- 
cessful or notable femme. 

Station has. plugged : it consider- 
ably in newspaper ads and favors 
It as an instrument bC good- will to 
win parents. 

In plotting program, station en- 
deavors .tb dispense with, syrupy 
Babbittry and to; keep it attractive 
to baloney -detecting modern youth. 
Plays' up the virile, realistic and 
action angles for the, boys and the 
up-to-dateness, fearlessness ' arid 
capability" that .the modern girl sees 
mirrored in femininity. As much 
humor as possible Is threaded into 
the interviews, and the station sees 
to. it that the adult being quizzed 
doesn't talk down tb, or sermonize, 
his listeners. » 



Coin Vs. Showmanship 

Los Angeles; 
- Easter sunrise services at the 
Hollywood , bowl, which have -be- 
come an. institution on the Coast, 
were , ; not ; broadcast, over ' any Los 
Angeles station this year, due • to 
contracts held by Don :Lee and-hi's. 
selling > of the time usually accorded 
this event to a local cemetery, .for 
Its sunrise service, puny In cpiri T 
parison. 

Several years ago. Lee contracted 
with the Hollywood Bowl operators 
for the exclusive on this Easter 
morning event for several years. It 
generally was broadcast as a sus-t 
tainer. This year- -with dough . of t 
fered by the cemetery rival, Lee 
kept the much larger Hollywood in- 
stitution off KHJ, his L, A. outlet 
tor CBS, although using \% on some 
of the other stations on his, coast 
CBS network. 

Other L. A; -stations endeavored 
to get permission to broadcast the 
Hollywood Bowl services when . it 
Was learned that KHJ was off .the 
services this year but were - denied 
permission because of the contract 
held by Lee. " 



oravian Services • 

' Winston-Salem. 
For the' fourth consecutive year, 
Station WSJS has broadcast the 
Moravian Easter Sunrise services 
here, being the only -method other 
than, newspapers the. outside world 
has of getting a picture of this 
historic event, which was attended 
by some 25,000 persons. The Mo 
, ravian elders have refused- for years 
j to allow the services : to be photo 
. graphed and have turned a deaf ear 
to . 411. requests of newsreel men. 

Services have been .broadcast 
each Easter since WSJS first went 
on the air in 1930. The elders al- 
lowed it at first for the benefit of 
- aged members of the denomination 
who could not attend the. sunrise 
services in person. Now it has be 
come, an- institution. The denomi 
nation furnishes a minister, Rev, 
Douglas L. Rights, to give the his 
toric background— the services be- 
gan in 1732 and have been held 
continuously since in the graveyard 
regardless of weather conditions. 

The- services go on the . air at 
.4 a.m. with a historic background 
and then a- musical Interlude i : f foni 
■ historic Home Church. Three 1 an 
nouncers, from WSJS describe the 
crowd and the march from the 
church through an avenue of ce 
dars to the graveyard where the 
first settlers are burled. The.church 
band of. 300 pieces, furnishes .all 
" music. :' 



'Madame Unmasks. 

' . Des Moines. 

KSO's mystery gossiper, 'Madam 
X,'. Who has kept the town wonder 
Ing for a year, will reveal herself at 
the three-day electrical refrigerator 
show of Davidson Furniture Co; . on 
opening night, April 2, 

With a newspaper advertising 
build-up and with police escort 
from studio to store and return, she 
Will broadcast from the window of 
■ihe store. 

Other KSO entertainment frohv 
the window of the store, includes 
Brooks and Pierson* ahd the 3 J's. 



WCAU Stalks Good Will 

Philadelphia. 
Making a determined bid for local 
good will, WCAU has appointed 
Manrtie Sacks to head the studio's 
hew Radio Educational Service. 
Prepared talks have been made 
available, : gratis, f oi; schools,, busiv 
ness and fraternal, organizations, 
women's clubs, etc. 

Scheme calls for* the use of an an- 
nouncer specially assigned to work 
through a portable p.a., sound ef- 
fects man, engineer, -and ah operr 
ator for slides. Whole set-up cen- 
•ters- around, .the local development 
.of. WCATI. Job is expensive, pro- 
cedure, but the station .thinks the 
■publicity ' will warrant it. Requests 
are already - Coming in for the ser- 
vice- at the rate of a dozen a week, 
mainly- -from Women's units who 
have- never, seen a radio announcer 
before, Alan Scott, the studio Don 
Juan, has the . draw. 

WCKY a Party- Say er 

Cincinnati.. 
WCKY has won lots of thanks 
■from-, the^ -radio • public through a 
policy- -of presenting four straight 
hours of .dance music from lrB a.m^ 
every .Sunday morning. Those who 
observe Saturday night on a mara- 
thon' basis h'aye " expressed them- 
selves ad most grateful. 

Listeners Write, in to assure 
WCKY- that - the owl program has 
saved many a party from dying of 
sheer ennui. 



down, Since play goes on -without 
benefit of glassed-in studio, itls a 
bit tough on the players. 

Although this so-called children's 
little theatre is built for 150, more 
than 250 crowded into the first per- 
formance— nearly Jtfi.% of 'em 
adults. The second week had the 
store officials mulling whether they 
shouldn't build on a wing or throw 
open additional- space on the saihe 
floor. 

Hoop skirts make it brutal on the 
dolls getting close enough to the 
mike for heavy emoting, but the 
more willowy ones are. doing oko. 
Principals in the cast are Phyllis 
Pettygrove (Jo), Ruth Davis 
(Beth), Anne Duncan (Amy), Mar- 
garet Phillips (Meg), Arthur Peter- 
son (Laurie) arid Evelyn Steele 
(Mother). 

While originally intended to use 
the show for giving the parents a 
place to park the offspring and, go 
shopping, the programs now have 
the parents calling in someone to 
look after the kiddies at home and 
rushing down to see the 'Little 
Women'- radio dramatization. 



Weather 

Boston. 

WEEI has a service, which, quali- 
fies under radio 'showmanship as a 
means to increase - station prestige, 
popularity, and usefulness to the 
public. It was started years ago 
by an-, ex-weather guesser of - the 
government, E. B. Rideout. De- 
tailed weather forecasts for the, en- 
tire New England airea are broad- 
cast together with summary of road 
conditions, etc; 

Where the' service fits in "com- 
mercially apart from sponsorship 
which it enjoys is in helping fish- 
ermen, repair crews for utilities, de- 
partment • stores Who guide them- 
selves, and their advertising by. 
topical influences, motorists;,' etc. 

ing Backward Shows 

Rbck Island, 111.. . 

WHBF, has launched a hew serial 
that is proving a click with Quad- 
city fans. 

Events of years gone by .being 
dramatized la 'Headlines of 
Yesterday.' 



ib Show Before Films 

Seattle. 

'Carnival Hour' has for several 
years been a radio broadcast of 
KOL, for various advertisers, sold 
with admittance to studio, the pub- 
lic showing avid interest by large 
crowds being in daily attendance. 
For a time broadcasting was from 
Rhodes Department store where up 
to 1,000 packed in daily to look and 
listen. But. store had to discontinue 
as it Was hard to handle the mobs 
without some merchandise losses. 

Now this pot pourl of song, com- 
edy and music Is broadcast from 
Orpheum theatre stage daily on 
week days, noon to 1 p. iri. Ken 
Stuart Is m.c'lng the show,, which is 
put on In informal way, and Ivan 
DItmars is music director. Opened 
last week, kept building, with the 
folks seeing this show for 25 cents 
In addition to the full bill. 

As outside artists come to Or- 
pheum from time to time, they will 
augment local staff, which, includes 
Tubby ..Clark, Arizona . Joe, Frank 
Anderson, Joy trio," Sylvia Jones, 
Williams Sisters Doug and Jack, 
Aluh Williams, Mark Rowan, Paul 
McRae, Lew Lovgren, Bob Hamlin, 
Eva Gonella, Art Kloth, Steve Bar- 
rett, Wen Miles, Don Prindle, Don 
Isham and Alan Howard. Adver- 
tisers get. added value from. theatre 
audience, as well as the other, while 
the Orpheum - gets numerous plugs 
as the hour unravels. '"■ .'■ 



i Id Care Tie-ups 

Baltimore; 
For the Fairfield -Farms, Western 
Maryland Dairy, sponsored weekly. 
15 -minute program that - . has • Dr. 
John RUhrah chatting on pediatrics 
and child dietetics, WCBM has 
made it a practice to distribute 
cards around medical circles and to 
place notices on the bulletin boards 
of hospitals, nurses' homes and in^. 
ternes'- quarters, calling attention 
to the ether talk. These are changed 
weekly, day prior to broadcast, and 
contain a synopsis of the next sub-r 
ject upon which the medico will 
Spiel. 

A further angle, the station circu- 
lates a similar notice among; the 
welfare and charity bureaus, call- 
ing the poorer classes' attention to 
the series of talks arid admonishing 
them that many helpful hints and 
advice relative to care arid rearing 
of children can*- be derived from 
cupping the ear to Dr. Ruhrah's 
programs'. 

: In grateful response to WCBM's 
solicitude, one of the directors of- a 
welfare society has installed his 
radio in the' society's offices and has 
I.ojued invites to those who have no 
radio to come in each Tues. after- 
noon and catch the broadcast. 



Air Line News 

By Nellie Revell 



There is much rivalry among the New York hotels in securing passe? 
for radio programs in order to take care of visiting guests— usually 
groups representing firms or schools, As a feature of their ■inducement 
to stop at their hotels, managements pi'omise free broadcast tickets. 
Requests usually come from hotels to the network carrying its' dance 
music over its chain. 



Brewers Shy Off Ether 

ications are that expectations, once holding as to. the num 
brewers who will be on the air this summer are due to be disappointe 
While Schlltz, Pabst and Rupperts will be on, agents who have can- 
vassed this field claim a distinct feeling amongst brewers to stay away. 
Another reason offered is the scarcity of national -breweries for net- 
works.. 



Auditioning Cops. 

A group of Newark policemen will be auditioned this week at WOR, 
to test their ability in handling the soon to be installed short wave 
system in the Newark police department. Twelve Will be selected and 
given extensive training in the WOR Studios, both as to the technical 
and announcing ends. 



CBS* Actor its 

CBS has inaugurated a new. policy, on all dramatic programs, of an- 
nouncing the casts at the beginning, instead, of the end of the program. 
Network feels this to be. the best way to obtain the full value of the 
names it is bringing to the mikes. 



iegfeld Trio on Air 

iegfeld trio will make its radio debut- shortly, arising out of the 
split up of the Rhythm Boys. Jlriimy Newell, leaving the group, with 
his wife, the former Dolores Ziegfeld, is forming a new unit and will use 
the . Ziegfeld name. In the meantime the Rhythm Boys stay on the 
Gillette program -for three more weeks. 



Cholly Knickerbocker Airing 

Elizabeth Arden cosmetics, has signed Maury Paul (Cholly Knicker- 
bocker of the N. Y. American) as part of her forthcoming radio proi 
gram. He'll do society comments. Band auditioned last week at NBC 
was Emll Coleman. This program would be in direct opposition to Lady 
Esther, on the air with Wayne King. 



Short Shots 

CBS has signed for the radio rights of the works of several well known 
authors. Including Michael Arlen, Leonard Merrick, F. Scott Fitzgerald, 
Ben Ames Williams* the late, Mary Wilkins Freeman. Continuity is 
being written by the CBS production departriient. . . , Keith McCloud's 
Armchair quartet has been given a new sustaining spot by NBC... 
Floyd Buckley is back on WMCA's dramatic acting staff .... .Paul Specht 
is organizing a band for a radio comeback. . . .Phil. Duey and. Ray Heath- 
erton are alternating on the Junls face cream program with Eddy Duchin 
. ... .Ford Frick has been signed as announcer, oh the new Chesterfield 
series. . . .Harry Hoffman, chief arranger for Dave Rubinoff, went to ele- 
mentary school with the leader in Pittsburgh twenty years ago, .-. .Lester 
Edwards out of WHN. .. .Beatrice Marcus has returned to WOR as 
secretary to Robert Wilder. J ...CBS' deal for! the Hudson $heatre is said 
to involve an annual rental of slightly less than $30,000. Basis is on a 
One year' rental, with, an option to buy. Emigrant Savings Bank Is the 
owner! 



'Lovelorn' Stuff 

" — •'— : - ' Tbrtland^OT^" 
'Advice to the Lovelorn— pro r 
gram, feature, by Marian Miller, 
Lovelorn editor of the Morning 
Oregonian, being presented by. local 
dental account in Portland, Ore- 
gon. Program will include homely 
bits of advice, and answer to prob- 
lems and questions sent in. ' Pro- 
grain will be released over KEX — 
the Oregonian, three times weekly 
at 11:45 a.m. rogram fifteen min- 
utes. 



roadcast Auction Sale 

Elmira, N, 
WESG took its listeners to the 
ringside of an -auction sale with all 
the details of bidding and 'going, 
going, gone' coming through loud- 
speakers. It was a furniture sale, 
This Is the second time WESG 
has sighed up auctions for broad 
casting. 



'Little Women' for Adults 

St. Paul. 
. KSTP is putting on weekly dra 
matizations of 'Little Women' at 
Donaldson^ Dept. Store every Fri 
lusLyTaX" 4 :1XT : f b^?:T0^"1i).mr^STurir 
continues for 13 Weeks. Players 
are recruited from the ranks of U 
of Minn, dramatic classes and keep 
their amateur standing, . thus sav- 
ing the station all talent costs. 

Taylor Mills, in charge of radio 
here -for Batten, Barton, Durstlne 
& IDsborn, has the unit in hand 
Stunt Is given a studio buildup, 
with red light flashing on and much 
motioning with hands to keep the 
mvdienoo (capacity 150) quieted 



KTAB's Horse Racing 

San Francisco. 
Opening of the Spring racing sea- 
Son at Tanforan this week was re- 
nioted by KTAB which is doing 
a- daily broadcast from the track 
tor first time in local ether history. 

Station has George Schilling, vet 
turf .authority, spieling; from, the 
horse track for a quarter-hour each 
p.m., describing only the main event. 
Lloyd 'Hillmari auto financing house 
pays the bills for that one. 

At night Schilling comes into town 
for another quarter- hour, this a re- 
sume of the day's bangtail activities 
throughout the Country with the 
Tanforan track bankrolling that 
period. It's also first time Tanfo 
has done any radio advertising: 
.-. KTAB found it virtually impossi- 
ble to- plant any publicity on the 
broadcasts In the .dailies, sheets fig- 
uring ether might cut in on their 
circulation, and Hearst's Examiner 
and Scrlpps-Howard News taking 
a stand against horse-racing, al- 
though they carry plenty news about 
that sport. 



ish of Neutrality 

Kansas City, 
. . On eve of Kansas City's heated 
municipal election KMBC had 
planned a .'Man - in - the - street' 
broadcast outside the Hotel Muehle- 
bach, asking passersby their opin- 
ions on the election. Shortly before 
the^broadcast^the^Kansas^eity 
League of.. Young Democrats ad 
joumed their meeting in the hotel 
arid stumbled on the intended broad 
cast outside. The result was a 
qUarter-^hour of Democratic voices 
iri which Ivan Flanery, KMBC an- 
nouncer^ tried vainly to find a 
Fiislohist Who would speak up. 

T,wo young Democrats were finally 
prevailed upon to speak for the 
other side to give the semblance of 
a representative broadcast. 



Just Talk 

Both networks have' tightened up considerably on censorship since 
the. Ginger Rogers suit against NBC and Madame. Sylvia. . . .Phil Baker 
flew to Florida to spend the Easter week-end with Mrs. Baker and th« 
baby. . . .Pebeco. auditioned Block and Sully and Charlie Leland.... 
Frank Novak's 'One Man Band' series may be revived by NBC . . , Pro- 
gram sponsored, by E. L. Bruce Co. starting April 5 oh CBS with Doris 
Loralne and Clarence Wheeler's orchestra, first gave a broadcast audi- 
tion on a sustaining basis oyer the CBS. Northwest network. Response 
to the trial resulted in the engagement. .. .Allen Daly, formerly with 
WOR and CBS now sings regularly over WNEW. . . .Jerry Wald. left for 
the coast on a writing contract with Warners .... Elliott Shaw Is back 
with the Revellers after an illness. . . .Cadillac tnay do a summer series 
and will definitely return to NBC in October with its present line-up. 
Baby -Rose Marie will get another Bpot to add to her present two on 
WJZ. .. .Morton Downey has returned to New York after a twenty-week 
vaudeville tour and opens In Manhattan for Loew's April 13. CBS has 
scheduled three commercial auditions for- him this week. .. .Although 
Tiny Ruffner announces the merged Sal Hepatica-Ipana program, he re- 
ceives no billing. Benton and Bowles are keeping him as the p.a. on. 
the Showboat. .. .Clark and McCullough auditioned for NBC and several 
agencies last week, sketch being written by Charles Sherman and di- 
rected by Harry Tugend.... Henry Rosenblatt, son of the late Cantor, 
starts a commercial on WNEW shortly. 



Qossi 



Charlie Wihnlnger will not be pn the Showboat junior afternoon pro- 
gram. Sponsors, General Foods, want to keep him exclusively allied 
with Maxwell House coffee. . . .Jack Pearl and Jed Harris, who sailed for 
Europe last week, are talking about a legit show. . . .Marlon Parsonnet 
has resigned from the David Freedman writing group. He is now 
handling the .writing on the Borrah Mlnnevltch show. ...Mady Chris- 
tians, .who closed in her legit show 'Races' last week is in line for a new 
CBS commercial. .. .The Three Scamps will go to Jackson, Mich., for 
a convention of their sponsor's sales executives next month. .. .George 
Engles, with his son, left for the Bahamas last week, his son recuper- 
ating from an illness. Several of the youngster's friends were taken, 
along to keep him company after his father Ieavesrrr. Countess Albani 
had her tonsils removed While in Florida. .. . Jerry Cooper, the Palais 
Royal juvenile lead, started his own program at WOR last Friday night 
....Cunard account is now with the A. L. Wertheim agency, away from 
the Presbrey Co,;. ..Don Hall Trio have been given a Tuesday evening 
spot at NBC starting tonight,,.. Nino Martini sings with the Metro- 
politan Opera iri. Boston for two weeks beginning April 9 and then. goes, 
to Montreal for a concert. .. .Caroline Rich and Johnny Russel get the 
Tastyeast program, with Bill Wirges' band .... helma Salzburg, of WOR. 
operated on for appendicitis. 



Stand By 

^ _Georg 6 Hall is. booked 

15, Enoch Light will play for Delta of Sigma Psi at Syracuse University 
May 4 and 'Miss America* and her band booked for one-night stands in 
New England during April. . ; ; Charles Locke, p.a. at Bentori and Bowles- 
shifted to the continuity department and succeeded by Everard Meade 
....Don Bestor is going to feature Ducky Yuntz, who heretofore was 
just a trumpet player In the band. Yuntz has been revealed as a good 
singing comedian, .. .Bertram La Barr, WOR sales department, is the 
father of a boy bom Thursday. .. .April birthdays: George Jessel. 3d; 
Rosemary Lane, 4th; Tito Gulzar, 8th; -Dorothy Greeley, 9th; 'Eva. 
Evans, 13th; Phil Poi^erfield, 16; Caspar Reardon, 15th: Betty Bnrthell. 
16th; Edwin C. Hill, 23d; Felix Bernard. 28th. 



Tuesday, Aprfl 3, X934 



VARIETY 




43 



COMMERCIALS 



WEEK OF APRIL 2 

This Department lists sponsored programs on both networks, 
arranged alphabetically under the advertiser's name. 

AH tin* 6 ls P' m- unlefls otherwise noted: Where one 
has two or more programs they are listed consecutively. 

An asterisk before name indicates advertising agency handling 

^Abbreviations: Su (Sunday); M (Monday); Tu (tuelsday); W 
(Wednesday); Th (Thursday); P (Friday); Sa (Saturday). 



ACME LBAP 
Ij5:30-W-F-WABC 
Ed McGonnell 
*Henrl, H-J*c 
* 0. SPABK PLUG 

iCooHobs* 

♦Campboll-B 

ATFIUATED PB'8 

ftouls P h,,l ' ) *L 
1-Tu-F-W-WABC 

Princess- Marie 
*AMER € * TOBACCO 

(Lucity Sir"!** 

l;55-8a-WEAF 
Metropolitan Opera 
•pelleas-Isolde 
Lncrezla Borl 
..BdVvard Johnson 
Leon Rothler 
•Lord & Thomas . 
AMERICAN jdlL 
f-Su-WABC ' 
Marx Bros 
Freddy Martin 
•Jos. Kats 



. A * P .. 
8:30-M-WEAP 
Harry Horllck 
Frank. Parker 
•Paris * Peart 
ARMOCR 

9:30-F-WJZ 
Phil Baker 
H McNaughton 
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1:80-Su-WEAF 
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Dorothy Day 
•Needham, LAB 
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D:30-Sa-WEA*. 
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Ohman A Arden 
Bert HJrsch 
Haenschen Oro 
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Jerry Freeman 
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8-Su-WARC 
'Everting In Paris' 
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Mill Watson 
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10:45-Ta-W.7Z 
Magic Moments' 
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Walter Sc<tnloo 
Jane Ellison 

10:30-Su-WABC 
•45 Mln, In H'tjrw'd 
Mark Warnow 
Cal Yorlie 
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12:30-Su-WABC 
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0-W-WEAF 
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Fred Allen . 
Paula HofTa 
Jack Smart. 
Lionel Stander 
Eileen Douglas 
Irwin Delmore 
Minerva Pious 
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Lennle Hayton 
•Benton &. Bowles 
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0:30-111- WEAF 
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Dorid .A Kn'ibocker 

Quartets - 
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12-Tu-WJZ 
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Ann Seymour 
Art' Jacobwn 
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Betty Winkler 
Gene Rouse 

10-F-WEAF 
•First Nlghter* 
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Don Aroecbe 
Carlton Br+ckert 
Cliff Soubler 
BJ Sagerqulst . Ore 
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7:80-Th-iWJZ . 
'Romantic M'l'dlea*. 
Don Ameche 
Sally Ward 
B Sagerqulst Ore 

•Aubrey Moore- ^_ 

CARLET'N-HOVEY 
(Father John) 
7:15-W-WJZ 
Muriel Wilson 
John Herri ck 
H Sanford's Ore 
♦Cecil Warwick 
CARNATION MILK 

10-M-WEAF 
Gene Arnold 
Lullaby Lady 
M L Eastman , 
Jean" Paul King 
•Erwln: Wasey 
CENTAUR 
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8-30-W-WABC 
XlfreftrSpaiaing 
*Young Rul'ic^m, 
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7:4G-Su-WABC' 
Rln- TIn Tin* 
Don Ameche 
Bob White-' • 
VTglnla Ware 
Johnny Goss 
Jack v T)a'ly 
•Roger* A Smith 
.CHARIS 
lrlS-WrlVABC 
Louella - Parsons 
Raymond Paige 
•John L. Butler 
CITIES: ;• SERVICE 

. 8rF-WBAF 
Oranfland" "Rfce 
Jessica Drigonette 
Cavaliers' 
•Lovd & Thomas 



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12-Tu-Tta-WEAJ 
Harold Stokes 
Gil Page 
King's Jeetere • 
Frank Hdzzard 
*\V. S. Hill . 
CUTEX 
D-F-WJZ 
Phil Harris 
Leah Ray 
•J. Walt. Thomp. 

BEX COLE 
5:45-Tu-Th-WEAF 
It Cole: M'taineers 
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9- Sa-WEAF 
•C'lg'te Hotse P'try' 
Donald Novls 
Frances Langfora 
Arthur Boran 
Don' Voorhees 
Brad Browne . 
•Young & Rublcam 

10- Tu-WEAF 
(Palmollve Soap) 

Gladys Swart hput 
Theodore Webb 
Frahk Mclntyre 
John Barclay 
Peggy Allenby 
Leona Hogarth. 
Georgia Backus 
Minerva Pious 
Nat Shllkret. 
•Benton-B 
10:15-dalIy-WJZ 
(Super Suds) ., 
'Clara L.u & Em' 
Louise Starkey 
Inahelle Carotbers 
Helen King 
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2-8U-WEAF and 
12 dally 
Gene Arnold 
•McC-Erlc. 

R. B. DAVIS 
(Baiting Powd.) 
10-W-F-WKAF 
•Mystery Chef 
John McPherson 
8:13-To-Tli-WABC 
John McPherson 
'Mystery Chef 
6-M-Tu-W-Th- 
WABC 
'Buck Rogers* • 
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Adele Ronson. 
Edgar ' Stelhi 
•Joe Oranljy 
Walter Tetley 
Allan Devltt 
Georgia Bachen 
Elaine /.Melcholr 
Adele Klein 
Bill Shelley 
Henry , Gurvey 
Harry Swan 
Lionel Stander 
Emmet Gowan 
Beatrice Allen 
•Ruthrauff A R. 

CONT. BAKING . 
. 8-M-W-F-WABC 
Phil Duey 
Jack: Parker 
Frank Luther 
Vivian Ruth .. 

8-Tu-WABC 
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10;4«-M-W-F- 

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(Kremel. Etc) 
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10-Su-WABC 
Angela Patrl 
♦J. Walt. Thomp. 
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9:30-M-WABC 

The Big Show' 
Gertrude. Nleseo. 
Brno Rapee 
•Kat* • 
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8:30-M-HF/AF 
H. Firestone, Jr. 
Richard Crooks 
Lawrence Tlbbett 
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7:45-Sn-WEAF 
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•K. W. Ramsey 
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10-Tq-WEAF 
•Seth . PaVker' 
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«:3A-Sii-WABC ! 
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Fred Waring 
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•N.-.'W.- A-yer- • ■'• 
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6:30-Su-WABC 
Julia ...Sanderson- • 
Frank »Cr Um.lt: , 
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'^Iblasses 'n' Jan'ry 
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•Young & Rublcam 
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Refrigerators) 
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S:30-Dally-VfABC 
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4-Dnlly-WJZ 
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Betty Churchill 
Don Ameche 
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LouIp Roen 
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iO-8u-WEAF 
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6-Sn-WEAF 
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Rose jBampton .. 
Arnold Schoenberg 
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10:30-F-WEAF ' 
Jack- Benny 
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Frank Parker 
Don Bester . 
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9:18-Tn-F-WABC 
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Johnny Green 
•B. B, D. & O; 
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9- Su-WJZ 
Geo. M. Cohan 
Revelers 
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Al Goodman - 
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2-Su-WJZ 
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v 1 :30-M-W-F-WJZ 

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Louis Katzman 
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HECKER B-O 
6:15-Dally-WABC 

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'H-Bar-O Rangers' 
Bobby Benson 
Nell O'Malley 
Florence Hallan 
Billy Hallop 
John Barthe . 
•Erwlh- Wasey. 

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. 2:15-Dally-WABC 
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Lester Tremayne 
Virginia Clark 
K«rl lleube 
Dolores Gillen 
Jack Doty 
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H. J. HEINZ CO. 
10-M-W-F-WJZ 
Jrsephlne Gibson 

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HOO VER 
4:30-Sn-WEA¥ 
Edward Davles 
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Joe Koestner 
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0:45-6u-WJZ 
Dr H Bundesen 
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8-Tu-Vf JZ 
Edgar A Guest 
Alice Mock 
Jos Koestner*s Ore 
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9:30-F-WABC 
Jack Whiting 
Jack Denny 
Jeannle Lang 
Three Rascals 
•B. B. D. & O. 
HUDSON MOTOBS 

10- Sn-WEAF / 
Al Trahan 
Paxon Sis 
Lennle Hayton' 
Graham- -McNamee : 

8t30-Tu-WJZ 
Conrad Thlbault 
Lois Bennett, 
Harry Salte* 
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0^0-Su-WJZ, 
Walt. WlncMell "... 
•J.. Walt. TiiompY , 
JjOHNSON A . SOI* 

ls30-Tu-ThT WABC 
Tony" Wotis 
Keenan & PhlHlps, 
♦.Needhnm, it.. ft ; B- 
KELLQGG . , 
■■* 5:30-Dally-WJZ 
'The Sinking Lady 
Iron* Wicker ■' 
Allan Grant 
•N. W. Ayer_ 
KRAFT-PHENTX 
10-Tli-WEAF 
P Whlteman Ore 
Al Jolsbn 
Deems Taylor 
Ramona 
Peggy Healy 
Jack ' Fulton 
♦J. Walt. Thomp. 
ICOLYNOS . 
>7:)r»-DaHy-WABC 
Just Plain Bill 
Arthur Hughes 
•Blackett 
LADY ESTHER 
S-Su-WE*F _ 



50,000 Watts ^"^"lotr'An^ve^ 50,000 Watte 

LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE 

(SHIRLEY BELL) 



8:30-Tn-WEAF 

Wayne Klnc's Ore 
• StafU-Oobie 
LAMONT-CORLISS 
(Nestles) 
8-F-WJZ 
Ethel Shutta 
Waller O'Keefe 
Don Bcstor Ore 
•J. Wnlt. Thomp. 
LARUS 
fEdgeworth) 
1 0-W-WEAF 
Corn Cob Pipe Club 

-of Virginia 
•BBD&O 



LEHN A FINK 

(Hind's Cream) 
10:3O-Su-VfEAF 
John Barry more 
Nat. Shllkert 
•Ruthrauff & R . 
L1GGETT-MYER6 

(Chesterfield) 
9-M-W-S-WABC 
(Monday) 
Rosa Ponselle 

(Wednesday) 
Nine . Martini 

(Saturday) 
Greta Stueckgold. 

(Throughout) 
Andre Kostelanetz. 
Mixed Chorus 
Ford Frlck 
•Newell -Emmett 
UXOB 
(Armour) 
5:30-Su-WEAF 
'Talkie Pie Time' 
> June Meredith 
John Goldsworthy 
John Stanford. 
Gilbert DouglaB 
Murray Forbes 
*N. W. Ayer :. 
LOR1 LIZARD 

(Old Gold) 
10-W-WABC 
Ted FlOrlto 
Dick Powell 
•Lennon &-M. 
LOUDEN P'CKING 

(Doggie Dlnn^F) 
. 6:45-Th-WABC 
'Stamp Adventures' 
Reginald Knorr 
Carl Hoyer 
•Matteson. F. O. 
MANHATTAN 

SOAP CO. 
Il:30-Th-WJZ 
Harriet Lee 
Ed-ward. Kennedy 
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• J. W. MARROW 
(Oil Shampoo) 
1 :15-Tu-Tli-IYABC 
Joan . Marr.ow 1 
Bob NOlan 
Eddie ..House 
•Placed direct 

MACFADDEN 
(Liberty Magazine). 

. .10-F-WJZ 
"lltlngB I Shouldn't 

Tell* 
Fulton Oursler 
•Staek-Gpble 

MET. LIFE CO. 
«:43-Dnll3>WE*F 
Arthur BagleyV 
DR. MILES LAB'S 

rAllrfe'-SeltKer* 
J0:30-Sa-WJZ 
WLS Barn Dance 
Ridge Runners 
Mac & Bob 
Clarence Wheeler 

•Wade^ . 

MOHAWK MILLS 

(Carpets) 
10 :80-Tu-Th- WEAF 
Orch & Singers 
•B. B. D. & O: 
MOLLE CO. 
7:30-M-W-Th- 
WEAF 
Roxanne Wallac« 
William Edmonson 
Shirley Howard 
Guy' Bonhnm 
Wamp Carlson 
D wight Latham 
•gtack-Goble 
BENJ. MOORE 
11:30-W-WEAF 
Betty Moore 
•Lew White .- • 
MUELLER CO 
10:15-M-W-F 
: WABC 
•Bill & Ginger' 
Virginia . Baker 
Lyn Murray 
•Hellwlg 

NAT1' SUGAR 
9:30-M-WJZ 
Metody Singers 
Joseph I'asternack 
•Gotham 

OXOL 
f :4S-M-Tu-W-F- 
WABO 
Dave, Bunny & O 
Bunny Coughlln 
Dave Grant 
Gordon Graham 
•B. B. D. & O. 

OXYDOL 
(Proct'r A Gamble) 

8-dally-WEAF 
•Ma Perkins' 
Virginia Dayne 
Margery Hannon 
Kar! Hubel 
Wll' FornUm 
Chaa. Eggleston 
•Blackett 
PACIFIC BORAX 
9:30-Tli-WJZ 
•Death Vnll'y Days' 
Tim Frawley 
Joseph Bell . 
E-dwln W Whitney 
I^onesome Cowboy 
JosenTi Bonlme Orr 
•McC.Erlek^ 
PALMER nOCSE 

10-Tu-W<IZ 
Gladys Swarthouf 
Ray Perkins 
Gale Page 
Harold Stokes Ore. 
PEPRODENT 
7-DaIly-W.1Z 
Amos'i'n' Andy 
Charles. Correl 
Freeman Gbsden 
(•Ripe, of Gold".* 
•8-Drtlly-W.IZ 
Oertrude Berg 
James. Waters 
9;S0-Tu-Th-8a- 
W.IZ 
Eddte' Durhln . 
•T>ord Kr , Thomas 
PERFECT CIRCLE 

1>:30-Sn-WEAF 
6hmnn and Arden 
•Edwurd Nell 
Arlehe Jackson 
•Slden^r. V A K 

PHTT.CO 
7;48 dally ex. Sa- 
| Su-WABC 
Boake Carter 
'•F. W. Armstrone 
PHILIP MORRIR 

8- Tn-WEAF 
T,eo Relsmnn'p Ore 
Phil Duey 
•Blow 

riLLRBURY 

10- 30-Doily-WAl7 
Today's ClilMren' 
Trma Phllllns 
Walter Wicker 
Bess Joh nson _\ 

TMcy Glllman 
Fred Von Amon 
Jean McGregor 
♦Hutch tnFon 

11- M-W-F-WABC 
•Cooking Close Upe' 
•HulcTiInson 

PAB!ST 

9- Tn-WEAF 
Ben Bprtile Ore 
•Mnll-^'^Ttv 

PLOVC.H. INC 
10-W-WJZ 
Vlnrent Lopez 
F.d Rulllvnn 
•Lake-Splro-C 



RALSTON 
5-F-WEAF 

Mme Sylvia of 

Hollywood 
•Gardner 

REAL SILK 
7-Su-WJZ 
Chas. Prevln Orch 
Charles Lyons 
•Er.win-Wasey; 

RED STAR YEAST 
11-Tu-Th-S-WEAF 

Edna Odell 
Phil Porterflela 
Trma Glen 
Earl . Lawrence 
.REMINGTON 
8:30-F-WABC 
'March of Time' 
•B., B.. D. A O. 
R. J. REYNOLDS 
(Camels) 
10-Tu-TliU-WABC 
Casa Lonia 
COnnle Boswell 
Stoopnagle A Budd 
*Wm. Estv 

RIESER CO. . 
(Venlta . Shamnoo) 

etW-SarWABC 
Tom McLaughlin 
Ted Black 

5tl3-Su-W.EAF 
Ted Black 
Vincent Calendo 
•Gumblnner 

RlTOHIK 
(Erio Salts) 
8^Tu-»W-WJZ 
"Eno Crime 'Club' 
Snencer Dean- 
N W Ayer 
SILVER DUST 
T:30-Tn-Th-Sa- 
WAHC 
Paul Keast 
B. B. T). A O. 
SINCI.*IR 
9-M-WJZ 
Oehe Arnold 
B<ll Child* 
Mso . McCloud 
Joe- Parsons 
Cliff Soubler 
Harry Kogen 
•Federal 
SPRATT'S PAT. 
: 7:43-Ta-WJZ 
Dori Carney's Dog 
' Stories 
•Paris A Peart 
8PARK9-W-CO. 
8-Sn-WJZ 
(Sparton Products 
Dick Hlmber 
Frances Langford 
3 Scamns 
Joey Nash 
*U. S f Adv. 



STAND. BR-^JJDS.; 
(Chase- A SAnbbrn), 
' 8-Sa-WEAF 

Eddie Cantor 
Rublnoff 

(Baker's) 
7:30-Su-WJZ 
Joe Penner 
Harriet Hilliard 
Ozzie Nelson Ore 
8-W-WEAF 
(Royal Gel) 
Jack Pearl 
Cliff Hall ^ 
Peter Van Steeden 
Kathleen Wells 
8-Th- WEAF 
tFlelschmnnrt) 
Rudy Vallee and 

His Conn. Yanks 
♦J. Walt. Thomp. 
STD. OIL <N. Y.) 

8-M-WEAF 
Socony Sketches 
Arthur Alien 
Porker Fennelly 
Kate McComb 
Isabelle Wlnlocke 
Ruth Rupsell 
Robert Strnuss 
•B.. B.."D. A O. 
STERLING PROD 
8<3fl-W-WEAF 
(Phillips Mag) 
•Waltz Time* 
Abe Lymnn Ore 
Frank Munn 
5 dally ex. Sa-So 

WABC 
Skinny' 

2:3C-!5ii-WABC 
Abe Lyman 
•Blarkstt 

SI'N OIL 
6:45-Dally-W<IZ 
Lowell Thomas 
♦Roche- ^vminms 
SWIFT 
3:30-Su-WEAF 
(Vlgoro^ 
'Garden Party* 
Mario 0»inm!ee 
Coe Glade 
Karl. Schulte 
•J. Walt Thomp 
TARTYEAST 
12:15-Sn-WJZ. 
Baby Rose Marie 
7:80-To-WEAF 
Arlene Jackson 
Green Bros 
•Stnck-Oohle 

. TENN. CORP. 
(Loma Plant Food> 

10:30-8u-WEAF 
Studio Or* A Singers 
•Croot 
I TEXAS CO. 
0:30-TurWEAI 
Ed Wynn 



Graham WcNamee 
Don ViQTheea 
•Hanft-Netzger 

TIDEWATER 

(Tydol) 
7:S0-M-W-F- WABC 
Jimmy Kemper 
Hummingbirds 
Robert Ambrustei 
♦Lennen Mitch 
UNDERWOOD. 
8:30-Tli-\V.\UC 
Will Irwin 
Alexander' Gray 
Nai Shllkret 
Mary Eastman 
•Marschalk 
U. S. TOBACCO 
(Dill's Best) 
9:30-F-WEAF 
•Half H'r for Men 
Pic Malone 
Pat Padgett 
Joe White 
Josef Don! 
•MrC.-Erlpk. 
UNION CENTRAL 

5-Sn-WABC : 
Roses A .Drums' 
Elizabeth Love 
George Gau» 
Roht 1 Hulnes 
Blaine Cordner 
•J. Walt. Thomp. 
WANDER CO. 
(Ovaltlne> 
. :4rt-Doily-WJZ 

i.lt'l'e. Orphan A' 
Allan Baruck 
Henrietta Tedro 
Bd Pprpgue 
Stanley Andrews 
Shirley Pell 
♦Blackett 
WARD B \ KING 
6:44l-Ru-WABC 
7 :30-Su-WABC 
Family Theatre' 
"Cecil Lean. 
Cleo Mayfleld 
James Melton 
Billy Artz 
♦Fletcher- 

WM. R. WARNER 

9-W-WJZ 
(Sloan's Liniment) 
Warden Lawes 
(Vlpce Mouthwash) 

9:30-W-W.IZ 
John Chas, Thomas 
Wm. M. : Daly 
♦Cecil. Warwick 
WAREY PROD 
12-M-W-Th-F- 

WABC 
8.80-Ta-WABC 
Voice of .Bxp'rtenee 
;»Er.win Wasey 



B. L. WATKINS 

• 9-Su-WJZ 
Tam^.ra 
Davis Percy 
Men About Town 
•Blackett 
WELCH GRAPH 
:45-W-3:15-Su-WJZ 



Irene Rich 
•Kastor 

WESTERN CO. . 
(Dr. West T'thp'ste) 
5:30 -M-W-F-WEAF 
'Frank Merrlwell' 
Donald Brlggs 
Dolores Gillen 
•J. Walt. TTiompspn. 

wheatBna 

7:15-Dally-WEAF 

•Billy : Bachelor* . 
Ruymond Knight 
Alice Davenport 
0:45rM-W-Sa- 

WABC 
4:45-Tu-Th-WABO 

Happy Minstrel 
•McKee-Albrlgh.t 

WOODBCRY 
8:C0-M-WABO 
Bliig Crosby 
Jlminy Grler 
•Lennen-M' 
WYETH CHEM. 

(J ad Salts) 
1:80-Tn-<\V-Th-F- 
WABC 
'Easy Aces' 
Coodman . Ace 
Jane ■ Ace' ; 
Mnry -Hunter 
• lackett 

WRIGLEY 
7-Da»y-WABC 
'Myrt A Marge' 
Myrte Vail 
T'onna DAmeral 
Eleanor Bella 
V'ricent Coleman 
Karl Huebl. 
Helena Roy 
Ray Hodge 
Drtrothy Day 
Gene Kretzlnger 
Reginald Knorr 
Karl Way 
•Frances Hooper 

WORCESTER 

(Salts Toothnaste) 
. «:4B-F-WABO. 
Zoel Paienteau's O 
Carl Van . Ambergs 
•Fuller A Smith 

YEASTFOAM 
2:30-Ra-WJZ 
Jan Qarber Oro 
•Hays McFarland . 




Reprinted from Variety, 
March 27 

NICK LUCAS 
Songs with Orchestra 
15 Mins. 
Sustaining 
WABC, New York 

Essentially a mike performer, and 
no novice At that via talkers and 
records (he's been one. of Bruns- 
wick's best sellers for years), Lucas 
knows his audible delivery and evi- 
dences that handsomely on his 
quarter hour. He's on a couple of 
times a week; reviewed here -on 
Friday 6:30-6.45 p.m.^ EST. 

Freddie Rich's orchestra accom- 
panies him in excellent style. Lucas 
is billed as 'the crooning, -trouba- 
dour,' his vaiide billing. 

He manifests canny choice of 
numbers, warbling, his pops in tip- 
top manner to self-guitar accom- 
paniment. The solo strings comes 
through effectively on the breaks 
and interludes. 'Tip Toe Through 
the Tulips,' which Lucas introduced 
in the 1929 WB 'Golddiggers,' was 
one of his revivals. 'Lady Play 
Your Mandolin' is an appropriate 
theme song, 
A seasoned variety trouper. 






The Crooning troubador 
WABC Network 

Wednesday 11 P.M. Friday 6:30 P.M. 



Direction 
COLUMBIA ARTISTS BUREAU 
• 

Personal Representative 
LEO FITZGERALD 



I 



44 



VARIETY 



RADIO 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



Radio Reports 



Spelling— New Style 



(Continued from page 38) 
see arid hear audiences' it. fills to 
capacity. It has played to audi- 
ences up to 6,000. 

Johnny Murray, m.c.'s the pro- 
gram and handles the program with 
a snap; At no time in the back and 
forth stuff in which he straights 
does he allow any of the material 
to sag.; Minerva Urekel tabbed as 




Demon of the Strings 

EDDIE 





Versatility in Entertainment 
▲ 

PURE OIL 
PROGRAM 

WJZ 

very Saturday 9-9*30 P. M. 

A 

Featured Nightly 
HOLLYWOOD 
RESTAURANT 

NEW Y O R K 
▲ 

Personal Manager 

RUDY VALLEE 



RUBY 




JACK CURTIS 



Palace Theatre Bldg, New York 



CONRAD 
THIBAULT 



Wednesday, 8:30-3 P»M. 
WABC 

Thursday, 9-10 P.M. 
WEAF 



GRACIE 




"The Sweetheart of the Blues" 

ON TOU.R WITH 
"THE PASSING SHOW" 

Sole Direction 

HERMAN BERN IE 
1619 roadway, New York' 



COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM 
Presents 



E LAS CO 

ARMOUR PROGRAM 

0:30-10 P. M.. FRIDAYS 
WJZ 

MON., FBI.; WABC, 

Const-to-Coast 
— Nightly Bt.- M prlte H otel, . New JTork ■■ 



Pasquale; does a good Italian dia- 
lect act with Murray and 'Sally' 
(Vivian Knight) is also in top rat- 
ing on the program with a dumb 
dame back and. forth. 

Earl Hodgins delivers his gags 
via the. medicine show ' routinjo but 
to listeners his style is reminiscent 
of- a local air preacher. The medi- 
cine show scheme is apparently 
used to cover up, but the mimicry is 
not fooling the auditors. Hodgins' 
contribution is a highlight. 

Swor and Goode put on a black- 
face bit without reaching too far 
back for laughs. Vocal end of the 
program is . taken care of by Kings' 
Men, male quartet; Bob Schafer, 
tenor;; Don Smith, baritone; Jimmy 
Tolson, Ruth Durell, and .Irene 
Dunne. All Vocal stuff is strictly 
on the pop order, all nicely placed 
and brief. Joy's orchestra back- 
grounds. Stan. 

MOHAWK TREASURE CHEST 
With Howard Phillips^ Don AMen's 

Orchestra and Martha Lee Cole 
15 Mihs. 
COMMERCIAL 
WGY, Schenectady 
. A new, twice-weekly, 15-minute. 
morning program, . sponsored by the 
Mohawk Carpet Mills and broad- 
cast over the NBC red network. 
Sponsor's main- plant is located in 
Amsterdam, .15 miles west of Sche- 
nectady. . , 

Howard Phillips, baritone, has the 
spotlight on program, with Don 
.Allen's- orchestra furnishing the ac- 
companiment and playing brief in- 
terludes of dance music.. Phillips 
sings ballads in a style which con- 
forms with his billing. He has a 
pleasing voice, of some range and 
tone purity, but he tries, at times, 
to put tod much feeling into- his 
numbers.. There is a stylized same- 
ness about Phillips' vocalizing here; 
this becomes noticeable after the 
program Is heard several times. 

Allen's orchestra serves a smooth 
brand of dance music,' in the limited 
opportunities given it. Unit rates 
a bigger spot. , 

Miss Cole talks briefly and 
clearly about home- decorating. She 
usually inserts a reference to car- 
pets. 

Announcer spiels thrice, two of 
the plugs being short. 

Programs rate higher in enter- 
tainment value than the average 
morning commercial. Jaco. 

MARY ROSETTI and JOE BISHOP 
Pop Songs and Parodies 
15 Mins. 
Sustaining 
KNX, Hollywood 

Pretty good work by this pair, 
featuring pop songs and parodies; 
accompanied by Wilbur Hatch's 
studio orchestra. Bishop has been 
on staff for six years and has just 
bracketed with Miss Rosetti, who 
doubles as soloist between here, and 
KMTR. 

Team has a nice routine, and on 
evening caught their 'Vive la 
France,' done In dialect, was a. 
standout. Girl combines an. ap- 
parent; gift for impersonation with 
a good quality soprano voice. Pro- 
gram is a. nifty for its 15-min. spot 
at 9:30 p.m. Jaco. 



GOVERNOR HERBERT H. LEH- 
MAN 
Public Utiliti 
30 Mins. 

WGY, Schenectady 

Following the policy pursued with 
success by his predecessors, Alfred 
E. . Smith and Franklin D. Roose- 
velt, Governor Lehman carried his 
campaign for the adoption- by the 
Legislature, of a public-utilityTre- 
form program, direct to the people 
of the state, in a 30-minute sup- 
per-hour address over, a WGY- NBC 
staterwlde hookup. Although the 
Chief Executive has ' broadcast 
many times, he never spoke on the 
air with as much force and feeling 
as he did on this occasion. 

Usually Governor Lehman con- 
tents himself with the delivery of 
a well-reasoned t clear-cut exposi- 
tion. of his views, given in the man- 
ner of the president of a corpora- 
tion reporting to the board of di- 
rectors. Jn this talk, however, he 
displayed a fighting spirit, not only 
in stating his side of the case but 
I in answering the arguments adr 
vanced by his opponents. 

The. Governor explained his 12- 
point . program for stricter . control 
of public utilities in. clear, concise 
fashion. He was outspoken in his 



Oklahoma City, April 2, 
A small Oklahoma City. boy 
of pre-school age recently 
startled his mother by an- 
nouncing that he could spell 
'Oklahoma 'City/ 

Mother, told him to go ahead 
and the youngster piped up as 
follows: 'WKY-Oklahoma City.' 



criticism of many gas and electric 
light company managements, their 
policies and their tactics, but at no 
time did he make use of flamboyant 
oratory or resort to personalities. 

The Governor's talk probably im- 
pressed the average adult listener: 
the subject, the speaker's, viewpoint 
.—^liberal but not radical — and the 
time combined to make it. interest- 
ing.. There was an unmistakable 
air. of sincerity and a note of con- 
viction founded on long experience 
in business and, banking; running 
through his whole argument. Gov- 
ernor Lehman possesses a clear 
voice, speaks with the authority of 
an educated man of affairs and dis- 
plays good mike . technique gener- 
ally, Jaco. 



which is being received by the 
public. j 

WLAC has lifted heretofore Im- 
pregnable ban on night recorded 
programs for Jim Reed Chevrolet 
Company of Nashville, to use Guy 
Lombards recordings as a medium 
for carrying. the advertising message 
to the public. c 

'Three Little Pigs' returned to 
WAPI minus Zell Ellis. Plans are 
for a guest artist on each -program. 



Oklahoma 



Ralph Brltt band has completed 
25th week in Topaz Night Club and 
oyer radio 'station KVOO, Tulsa. 

Spontaneous response to local pro- 
gram of the Crazy Water Crystal 
Serenaders oyer KOMA, Oklahoma 
City, pleased sponsor. 

Dan Davis, Maud, Okla, radio fan, 
has listened in on 525 stations dur- 
ing his past year and a half. 

Newest program on KOMA, Okla- 
homa City, is the Gulf Beach Club 
conducted each week-day evening 
except Saturday at 6 p. m. Charles 
E. Lovelace, president of the club 
conducts programs consisting of 
fisherman lore, and stories of the 
out-of-doors,« 



and will increase company from 65 
to 70 with auditions now under way. 
Sponsoring companies: Pathfinder 
magazine, Chicago; Ferris Nursery, 
Hampton; Gebhart Studios, Des 
Moines; Olson Rug Co., Chicago; 
Capitol Drug co., Augusta^ Me., and 
United Remedies, Chicago, plus 
waiting list. 

Bill Spargrove, announcer for 
KSO since station opened, now goes 
to KWCR, Cedar Rapids. 

Briardale Grocery Clerks new for 
WOC-WHO to replace Briardale 
Penman. . Talent includes Maxine 
Pierce, F. Morley and Bill Collins 
and John Behan at piano and di- 
recting. 

Prof.' and Tom "Quiz, an bid pro- 
gram that' has been sporadic on 
(Continued, oh page 45) 



'MEET THE ARTl 
Jack Whiting ' 
Interview 
15 Mihs. 
Sustaining 
WABC, New York 
; . This is a promotional undertak- 
ing by the Columbia artistsr,pro- 
gram departments. 'Meet the Art- 
ist' series is not new, but the pres- 
ent ■ production slant is. Now using 
fan mail, real or manufactured, as 
a spring-board for interviews. Bob 
Taplinger of the CBS press depart- 
ment purports to be reading ques- 
tions put via" post office to the 
artist. . 

Whiting, for example, was quer- 
ied on his college days, his first, 
theatrical experience, etc. It rates 
as okay fan fodder. Hits the air 
once weekly (Saturdays) around 
eating time. Land* 



id-West 



Radio Chatter 



(Continued from page 40) 
man, he fumbled for his glasses 



and found them gone. Result was 
he had to ad lib, not" being able to 
read his notes. Paul Heltmeyer, 
manager of the station, was to have 
delivered an address also, but 
chairman overlooked him because 
of time shortage. A mike went 
dead on: ah Important political 
speech, and while technician Jack 
Erwin was replacing substitute 
microphone, a zealous continuity 
writer, straying into an audition 
booth, flipped a wrong switch and 
transferred to network. All in all, 
a breath of relief was breathed as 
the midnight sign-off rolled around 



The International Buffoon 




Jim Cook a prexy, haying being 
voted chief of the Uptown Players 
Guild. 

Page Mr. Ripley — M. P, Wonboldt, 
sound effects man at NBC, squawked 
about too; much publicity. 

Ray Lee Jackson in town . mugging 
the NBC performers with Tom 
(Tolya) Flzdale at the right elbow. 

Charlie Previn can spend, hours 
unraveling knots in knitting wool. 

Art Linick -parked at the. Sherman 
house while the decorators push 
the home furniture into new ar- 
rangements. 

Ben Kanter's Matinee show is at- 
tracting the younger element to 
WJJD and some., of them aren't 
harmful to the optics. 

Hoofinghams show, switch from 
WMAQ to WENR. 

Dorothy Gish guest star oh the 
Palmer House show tomorrow (3). 

Jack Saatkamp, pianist, a returner 
at WLW, Cincy. 

Staff musicians of Crosley's WLW 
and WSAI, Cincinnati, have discard 
ed black and red smocks In favor of 
smart Russian, blouses shaded 
gobbin blue and tan. Whoops! 

John Irwin (Prosser), new on an 
houncing and production staff of 
WSAI, Cincy, is ex-amateur light- 
heavy boxing , champ of Michigan. 

WSAI, Crossley's Cincy smallie, 
has extended its broadcast schedule 
for weekdays by an hour, starting at 
7 instead of 8 in the morning and 
signing off at 1 a. m. 



West 



Georgia 



PILOTING 

The "Fastest Show oa the. 
Air" 

The Terraplane 

TRAVALCADE 



Dir. CHARLES MORRISON 



HOUR OF SMILES 
With 

PORTLAND HOFFA 
JACK SMAHT ^ 
IRWIN DELMORE 
LIONEL STANDEE 
MINERVA PIOUS 
. EILEEN DOUGLAS 
LENNIE HAYTON'B IPAiNA 

O TROUBADOURS ^ 
Material by Fred Allen and Harryf^f 
Tugend 

Management Walter Batchelor 

S,. T. 



D 



D 



^Wednesdays, 9-10 P. M„ E. 

OE361 



n 

[O 



Billie Lowe goes back to KFWB, 
Hollywood, as staff singer after 
several months in Arizona for her 
health. 

Staffs of Los Angeles stations are 
organizing baseball teams. First 
contest .will be staged between 
KNX and KHJ. 

Victor McLaglen spotted as guest 
artist on Ben Bernie's Blue Ribbon 
program night of April 3. 

Duke Ellington and. band stay for 
two extra weeks on the WJB Mon- 
day night NBC broadcast. 



Tennessee 




O HNN Y 
OHNSON 



Sole Direction HERMAN RERNIK 
IfllO llroadway. New York 



RAY PERKINS 

Palmer House Cushman's Sons 
CHICAGO BAKERIES j 

NBC WOR 
Direction SEDLEY H. BROWN | 



AND HIS ORCHESTRA 

PARADISE RESTAURANT 

roadway at 49th Street 
NEW YORK CITY 



Marine Room 

Restaurant 
Detroit, Mich. 

Direction 
Vorne Brown 



OT1IKK Olll 1U0STRAS 

Rainbow Room 
New Konmoro Hotel 
Albany, N. Y. 

Dlrrc'lon 
Harold Morris 
Irving (ic |urs 



William A. Burnett, Tennessee 
farmer, presenting what he calls a 
Lespodoza program each Saturday 
night at 6:30 over WSM. 

Lawrence Goodman presenting a 
series of pianologiies each Tuesday 
night, at 8:15 o'clock, from station 
WSM- 

HprUp is the latest production 
of station WSM, which is presented 
with a large, cast each Sunday night 
at 10:30 o'clock.! Under the title of 
'Howdy, Judge' this frolic, started 
early in January, has gathered mo 
men turn each week. 

Joseph Macpherson, bass baritone, 
returns to his home city to join 
the staff of WSM and teach. 

In their third season as members 
of . the staff of WSM, on the first of. 
May, the Vagabonds, Herald, Dean 
and Curt, male harmony trio, have 
accepted an engagement with sta- 
=.tioh^WG.y-in--Schenectad^.,^ 

Lasses White Minstrel Show with 
a cast of thirty-five artists, is 
bringing new life to American 
minstrelsy each Wednesday, njght 
at 7:30 o'clock when they broad- 
cast from. WSM's auditorium studio 
to a large visible audience as well 
as the radio audience. 

Leon Cole, organist, who has been 
a member of the staff of WSM, 
joins hands with Bobby Tucker each 
Monday night at 11:30 o'clock to 
present an organ and piano duet 



Jimmy Dc.venport, ace WGST 
announcer, has joined announcing 
staff of WSB, Atlanta. 

Ozark Mountaineers, WSB hill- 
billy outfit, won first prize for 
bands at Southeastern Inter-state 
Old Time Fiddlers Convention. 
Riley Puckett, also WSB, won first 
prize - for banjo picking. 

Three WSB acts are selling books 
published by Forster Music Pub- 
lisher, Chicago. Rogers' and Horns- 
by are. selling a collection of fa- 
vorite songs; Snowball and Sun- 
shine peddle a hymn book; and 
Bruce Waggoner is handling a gui- 
tar method. 

Pete Underwood and his orches- 
tra (WSB) ure turning 'em away 
m - the "Wednesday and Saturday 
night dance sessions at the Bllt 
more In Atlanta. 

Perry Bechtel and— his band 
booked as chief musical interest in 
Wofford Oil Company weekly pro- 
gram over WSB. 



Isham . 
Jones 

Orchestra 



COMMODORE HOTEL, N. S. 
The big show sponsored by 
EX LAX every Monday, 8:80- 
10 P.M. Sustaining — Tuesdays, 
Thursdays and Fridays, 11:10- 
12 P.M. i Saturdays, 11-11:15 
P.M.. coast to coast. WABC 

Direction 
Columbia Broadcasting System 



fit 



Iowa 



HENRY 
BURBIG 

"A Gay Young Blade" 
GILLETTE PROGRAM 

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 
0:45 P.M., WEAF 
Sole Direction 
Den Bocke Productions 



Denver Darling, KSO, celebrating 
his seventh anniversary in radio 
with 7,316 broadcasts. 'Off the air' 
only six weeks of entire period. 

Iowa bam dance frolic, WOC- 
WHO, increased from one hour to 
two and now goes to three on March 
31. Takes up 7 to. 10 Saturday nites 



HARRY SALTER 

And His Orchestra 

^=^WITreimS-CAMPCS CHOIR— — 



CONRAD THIBAULT 
LOIS BENNETT 
HONEY DEAN 

_ and 

MIXEDWd^trTOEWBrC^ — 

HUDSON-ESSEX Program 

NBC-WJZ 
Tuesday Nights, 8:30-9 



HOTEL PIERRE 



JACK 



DENNY 



AND HIS ORCHESTRA 




WEAF 
Tues., 12:30 A.M. 
• ■. 

WJZ 
8atr, 12 Midnight 
Mon., 11:30 P.M. 



' Richard Hudnut 

WABC' 
— FrI.,-9 :30- P.M. ... 



LITTLE JACKIE 

HELLE 



Man.. Tues., Frl.,:4:15 P. M. 
Wed. 4 to 4:30 P. M., CST 

Sat. 4:30 .P. :M., NBC 
Management NBC, Chicago 
1'cr. Rep.; HERMAN BERNIE 
New York City 



Tuesday* April 3, 1934 



R A D I 



VARIETY 



45 



Radio Directory 



Mi a conyonieriee for advertising agenci**, •ponton, and other raadara, 
*VarUty' print* below a directory for New York, koa Angeles, 
8an Franoiaoo, and Chicago.) 



New York City 

NBC 

(Station* WJ2-WEAF) 

M Rockefeller Center. 
Circle 7-8800 
It, H. AyleeworUv President. 
Richard C. Patterson, Jr., Sxeeutlre V.-P. 
Bdgsx Kobak, V.p. on Oen. Sales. 



ESCOFFIER'S SAUCE 

|g a perfect '.«oncoctlon ; because of 
i>ls expert knowledge of tfce 

CULINARY ART 

la . radio as in everything else 
always consult an expert 



david free dm an 

•program builder 
e/o Variety, New York' 



HENRY 
BUSSE 

AND HIS MUSIC 

NOW 

CHEZ PAREE 

Chicago 

iflhtly CBS 



THE GREEK AMBASSADOR 
OF GOOD WILL 

GEORGE 
GIVOT 

On tour with condensed 
version "New Yorkers" 

Sola Direction 

HERMAN BERN! 
Ml» Broadway. Maw Fork 



Jack and Loretta 

Clemens 

WJZ 
10:45-11 A.M. 
Mon„ Wed* Fri. 

WILBERT'S 
FLOOR WAX 

Sole Direction 
Ben Bocke Productions 



IRENE 
TAYLOR 



Personal Management 
SEGER ELLIS 
ROCKWELL-O'KEEFE, 
RKO Bidg., Radio City, New York 



JOHNNY GREEN 

and HIS ORCHESTRA 

OLDSMOBILE PROGRAM 

=eB*=eoa8tito*eoast- 



Tues. and Fri., 0:15 P.M. 
BRUNSWICK RECORDS 



A. I* Asnby, <.-P. and Ben. Atty. „ 
George Bnglee, V.-P. on Artists' Service. 
John F. Royal. V.-P. on Programe. 
Roy C. Wttmer. V.-P. on East Dlv. Sales. 
Frank Mason, V.-P. on Publio Relations. 
Mark Wood, Trees. , Asst. to BJxec V.-P. 
Lewis MacConnacb, Secretary. 

Alfred H. Morton, Bum Mgr.. Program 
Dept. 

. ZJoyd Thomas, Mgr. Local Sales. 
W. C. Roux, Mgr. Local Sales Promotion. 
H. F. McKeon, Auditor.. 

B. P. Kelly. Asst. Auditor. 

C. W. Horn. Gen. Engineer. 
Frank Mullen, Agricultural Dir. 

J. deJara Almonte, Evening Operations. 

Bertha Bralnard, Program Mgr. 

O. W. Payne, Operations. 

Rv J. Telchern, Asst. to Treat. 

Department Heada 

Donald C, Shaw, Eastern Sales Mgr. 
Thoa. H. Relvlaoi Music Library. 
W. D. Bloxham, Purchasing Agent. 
John R. Carey, Service Supervisor. 
O; B. Hanson, Mgr.. Plant Operation and 
Engineering Dept.* 
Ruth Keeler, Personnel Supervisor. 
Donald Wltbycomb, Mgr. Sta. Relations 
Paul F. Peter. Mgr. Statistical Dept. 
O. W. Johnstone, Mgr. Press Relations 
Dept. 

Harold Artists Bervlce Popular 

Talent. 

,D. S. Tuthlll, Sales Mgr., Artists* Service, 
Qulnton Adams, Office Mgr. 
BJ. P. H. James. Sales Promotion Mgr. 
Mrs. Frances Rockefeller King. Mgr, 
vate entertainment. 



(Station WABC) 

*85 Madison Ave. 

Wlckereham 2-2000 

William ■&. Paley, President. 
Edward Klauber, Executive V.-P. 
Sam Pickard, V.-P. 

Hugh Kendall' Bolce, .-P. in Charge of 
Sales. 

Lawrence W. Lowman, ,-P. on Opera- 
tions and Secretary. 

M. R. Runyon, Treasurer. 

Karl Knlpe. Sales Mgr. 

'William H. Ensign, Asst. Sales Mgr. 

Bert McMurtrle. Com. Program Super. 

Julian Field, Comm. Jrrogram Dir. 

Julius F. Seebach. Program' Operations. 

J. G. Gude, Publicity. 

Edwin K. Cohan, -Technical Dir. 

Paul "White. Special Features. 

Paul W. Kesten. Sales Promotion. 

John J. Karol. Market Research. 

W. M. C. Glttlnger, Sales Development 

Charles Stark, Local Sales. 

John S. Carllle, Production Mgr. 
. Frederic P. Willis, Educational Dir. 

Julius Mattfeld, Musla Library. 

Hugh . Cowhand, Commercial Engineer. 

Courtney Savage, Dramatic Dir. 

Ralph J. Wonders. Mgr.. Artists' Bureau 

Paul Ross, Mgr. Personal Bookings. 

WOR 

Bamberger roadcasting • Service, Inc. 
1440 Broadway 
Pennsylvania 6-8383 

Alfred J. . McCosker. Station. Mgr. 
A. A. Cormier, Sales Mgr. 
Walter J. Neff, Asst. Sales Mgr. 
Lewis Reid, Program Mgr. * 
George Shackley, Musical : Dir. 
Robert I. Wilder, Program Dir. 
J. B. Poppele,. Chief Engineer. 

WINS 

American Radio News Corp. 

114 B. 68th St. 

Eldorado 6-6100 
Bradley Kelly, Station Mgr. 
Philip F. Whltten, Sales Mgr. 
H. F. Bldwell, Production Mgr. 
Vincent Sorey, Musical Dir. 
H. ' Harrison, Acting Program Dir. 
George Wleda, Press. 

WMCA 

LIceiiEee, Knickerbocker Broadcasting Corp. 
Donald Flamm. Ptob. 
Operated by Federal Broadcasting Corp. 
Broadway at 53d St. 
Columbus 6-6060 

Geo. B. Storer. Pres. 
John T. Adams, Executive V.-P. 
Clendenhmg J. Ryari. Jr., V.-P. 
James K. Morris, Treasurer. 
Harry Carlson, Program Dir. 
Jack Ricker, Production Mgr. 
Robert Hood Bowers, Musical Dir. 
Charles Martin, Dramatic Dir. 
Harry Pascoe, Continuity Dir. 
Frank Hennigs, Mgr. Artists' Bureau. 
Robert S. Wood, Drl Public Relations. 
Franx Marx, Chief Engineer. 

WLWL 

Universal Broadcasting Corp. 

418 W. BBth St 

~ Columbus 6-7030 

H. F. Riley. Dir. 
J. P. Klernan, Business Mgr. 
R. "W. BJork, Sales Mgr. 
George O'Brien, Program Dir. 
Rudolph Font, Musical Dir. 
Joseph Deppe. Chief Engineer 




Radio's Low Voice 
8INCLAIR MINSTREL 
Every Monday, 8 P. M. ( N.B.C. 
CHICAGO 



Chicago 

NBC 

Merchandise Marl 
' Superior 8300 

(Stations WEN R<— W M A Q ) 

Nlles Trammel. V.-P. In charge. 
Sen Kaney, Asst. to V.-P. 
P. G. Parker, Asst. Gen. Mgr. 
Fred Weber. Station Relations 
John Whalley, Office Mgr. 
Roy Shield, Chief Musical Dir. 
C. L. Meneer,. Production Dir. 
Sidney Strotz, Program Mgr 
Alex Robb, Asst. Program Mgr. 
Sidney Strotz Artists Mgr. 
WUlls Cooper, Continuity Ed, 
Prank Mullen, Dir. of Agriculture. 
Judith Waller, Educational Dir.. 
• Kenneth Carpenter, Sales ..Mgr. . .• : 
Bill Hay. Local . Sales Mgr. 
I. fi.. Showerman, SaleB Service Mgr. 
E. C Carlson, Sales Proniotlob Mgr. 
Howard Luugens, Chief Engineer. 
M. W. Rife. Chief Field Engineer. 
B. a. Donges. Maintenance Mgr. 

° n jL\' Williamson. Publicity .Vgr 

CBS 

Wrlgley Bldg. 
Whitehall 6000 

(Station WBBM) 

H. Leslie Atlass, Vlce-Pres. In Charge. 
J. J. King. Asrt. to Vlce-Pres. 
Leonard Erikson, Western Salos MgT. 



X Kelly Smith, WBBM Sales Mgr. 
Bob Stephenson. WBBM Aest Sales Mgr. 
Richard Blpers, Sales Research Dir. 
Walter Preston, Program Director. 
Delos Owen, Program Operations Mgr. 
Holland Engle, Asst. to Program Director. 
Ray Appleby, Dramatlo Prod. Mgr. 
Don Bernard, Music Prod. Mgr. 
Howard Neumlller, Music Dir. 
Henry Klein, Continuity Editor. 
Frank Falknor. Chief Engineer. 
Bob Kaufman, Publicity Mgr, 
EfBe Marine Harvey, Educational 
Ray Black, Mews Service Mgr. 
Arthur Wiener, Community. Concert Mgr. 
McClure Bellows, Columbia Concert Mgr. 

KYW 

trauss Bldg.' 

Wabash 4040 

Homer Hogan, Gen, Mgr. 

Parker Wheattey, Production Mgr. 

Harold E. Bean, Asst Production Mgr. 

Rex Maupln, Musical Director. 

H. B. Randall, Chief Engineer. 

tinier Turner, Publicity Dir. 

WCFL 

Furniture Mart 

Delaware 0600 
John FiUpatrlck. President. 
Edward N. Nockles. Gen. Mgr. 
Franklin Lundqulst, Bus. Mgr. 
Maurice' Lynch',- ■ Treasurer. 
Howard Keegan, Production Dir. 
Eddie Hanson, Musical Dir. . 
Howard Keegan, Chief Announcer. 
Maynard Marquardt. Chief Engineer. 
WJJD 

Lake and Wells Sts. 
State 5466 
Ralph Atlass, Gen. Mgr. 
Art Llnlck. Commercial Mgr. 
Joe Allabougb. Chief Announcer. 

WL8 

1230 W. Washington 
Haymarket 7600 
Burrldge Butler, President 
Glenn Snyder, Gen. Mgr. 
George Blggar, Program Mgr. 
D. R, McDonald, Adv. Mgr. 
Tom Rowe. Chief Engineer. . 
Clementine Legg, Artists Mgr. 
Hal O'Halloran, Chief Announcer. 
Julian Bentley, Publicity Dir. 

WON 

Drake Hotel 
Superior 0100 

W. E. Macfarlane. Gen.. Mgr. 
Quln Ryan, Station ' Mgr. 
George Isaac, Commercial Mgr. 
Edward Barry, Production Mgr.. 
Adolph Dumont. Musical Dir. 
Carl Myers, Chief Engineer, 
Frank Scbrelber. Publicity Dir. 

WGES 

.128 N.- Crawford 
Van Buren 8900 

Gene Dyer, Station Mgr. 

Charles Lanphear. Production Mgr. 

Joseph Brubaker, Chief Engineer. 

John Van, Musical Dir. 

Don Cfosnor, Chief Announcer. 

WIND 1 

201 North Wells. 
State 6466 

Ralph Atlass, President 
Frances Kennedy, V.-P. 
Frank Morrow. Program Director. 
John Murl. Musical Director. 
T. McMurray, Chief Engineer.. 
- Art Jones, Chief Announcer. 

Adverti ing Agencies 

Lord & Thomas— Henry Bellinger. 
J. Walter Thompson— Tom Luckenblll. 
Erwln-Wasey— William Weddell. 
N. W. Ayer— W. G. McGulre. 
Crltchfleld— Frank flteeL 
McJunkln— Frank Steel. 
BBD&O— George May. ' 
Blackett-Sample— M. H. Peterson. 
Henri Hurst McDonald— Art Decker. 
Hays MaeFarland— Nate Caldwell. 



Arthur Kales. V.-P. and Gen. Mgr. 
Glen Dolberg. Program Dir. 

KFWB 

Warner Bros. Pictures' Corp. 
Warner Theatre Bldg. 
Hollywood 0316 
Gerald King. Gen. Mgr. 
Chester M|ttendorf, Commercial Mgr. 
Jack Joy, Program Dir. 
Johnnie Murray. Charge Vaude Program*. 
Kay Van Riper. Charge Dramatic Prog. 
Les Hewett Chief Engineer. 
Frank Murphy. -Supervising Engineer. 
George Fischer. Publicity. 

KNX 

Western Broadcasting Co. 
Otto K. Oleson Studios, Hollywood. 
Hempstead 4101 

Guy C. Earl, Jr., President; 
Naylor RogerB. V.-P. and Gen; Mgr. 
Carl B. Nfssen, Commercial Mgr. 
Kenneth C. Ormlston. Technical Super- 
visor. 

Van C. Newklrki production manager. 
Wilbur Hatch. Muslo) Dir. 
Leo Mawhlnney, publicity. 

KM PC 
(Beverly Hills) 

MacMllian Petroleum Corp* 
9631 Wilshlre Blvd. 
Crestyiew 3101 

Hugh Ernst, Jr., Gen. Mgr... 

Jerry -Tegroeh, publicity. 

Baron Von EgldyV production manager. 

KMTR 

,. KMTR Radio Corp. 
016 No. Formosa. Hollywood 
Hillside 1161 

Reed B. Calllster. President 
David BalloU, general manager. 
Salvatore Santaella. Musical Dir. 

KGFJ 

1417 Sc. Flgueroa St 
Prospect .7780 
Ben. B. McGIashon, owner. 
Duke Hancock. Mgr. 

Fireside Broadcasting Co 

KRKD 

641 South Spring St 
Madison 1170 
Frank . Doherty. President 
V. O. Freteg, Gen. Mgr. 
Del Lyon. Sale* Mgr. 

KTM 

Ickwlck BroadcasUng. Co; 
214 SO. Vermont 
Exposition 134j 

Charles Wren. Pres. 
George Martinson. Manager. 

KFAC-KFVD. 
Los Angeles B; s/sdessting Co. 
643 Mariposa Ave. 
Fltzroy 12S1 
E. L. Cord, President, 
George Moskovls, commercial manager. 
Calvin Smith, studio, manager. 
Burton Bennett, program director.,- , 
Ohauhcey Haines, .Jr., musical director. 
Tom Gibson,, charage dramatics.- 



San Francisco 

NBC 

(Stations KGO-KPO-KYA) 

Western Division 
111 .Sutter St 
Sutter 1920 

Don E. Gilman, V.-P. and Western Dlv 
Mgr. . i 

C. L. McCarthy, Asst Vtw. Mgr. 

Lew Frost, Prog. Dir. 

Harry Anderson, Sales Mgr. 

A. H. Saxton, Mgr. of Plant Operations 
and Engineering. 

Lloyd E. Xoder, Press Dir. 

H. J. Maxwell, Office Mgr. . 

William Andrews, Chief Announcer. 

Cecil Underwood, Prod. Mgr. 

Roy Frothtngham, Sales Promotion Mgr. 

Meredith Wlllson, Musical Dir. 

KYA 

988 Market St. 
Prospect 8466 

EdWard McCallum, Station Mgr. 
Lynn Church, Prog. Dir. 
- Harry . Bechtel,' Chief- Announcer. 

KFRC 

fDon Lee-Columbia . Outlet) 
1000 Van Ness Ave. 
Prospect 6100 . 

Fred Pabst, Don Lee Gen. Mgr. 
Harrison HoUlway, Station Mgr. 
William' Wright, Prog. Dir. 
Arthur Kemp, Sales Mgr. 
Al Cormaok, Technical Dir. 
Claude Sweeten, Musical Dir. 

KJB8 

(Julius 'Brunton ft Sons, owners) 
1380 Bush St 
Ordway 4148 

Ralph Brunton, Mgr. 
Ralph Smith, Prog. Dir. 

KTAB 

115 O'Fsrrel St. 
Garfield 4700 

M. E. Roberts, Mgr. 

Frank X; Galvln, Prog; Dir. 



band at the Belle vue- Stratford 
hostelry, with a CBS wire. 

Murray Arnold, WIP wprd-sli 
attacked by a case of laryngitis. 

Bill and Ginger, WCAU Columbi 
show, drawing plenty of mail after 
an appeal for names for. the ex- 
pected blessed event in the -pro- 
gram- 

Philly .summer business 
bigger than ever before, ' 
town's optimistic: 



Teddy Brewer orchestra in at the 

Marigold, Rochester, for two weeks. 
Betty Millon is singing. Orchestra, 
just completed an 11 -months en- 
gagement over. CBS for a New York 
restaurant. 



Iowa 



(Continued from page 44*^ 

WOC-WHO, going back on the air 
with Bob Blaylock as professor and 
'Dutch'Reagan as Tom Quiz. Idea 
is questions answered with prizes 
awarded best questions sent In. 
Sponsored by Sneiderhahn co., Des 
Moines. 

KSO handling canary concerts- 
from local department stores. The 
10-mln. program broadcast from the 
housewares department and merely 
merchandising birds and birdseed. - 

Announcing returns on city pri- 
maries, KSO called two top-notchers 
as soon as they- were sure and had 
them at the station ready to thank 
the voters as soon as all returns 
were in. 

Clark Luther, salesmen for WOC- 
WHO getting up . the program for 
Central Flour co. to revive old songs 
and include Drake U, male quar 
tette. 

Des Moines, picture house, set a 
precedent by using the . 16-min. 
transcription from 'Cat and Fiddle' 
on KSO. 



Pennsylvania 



Wayne Cody, WFI 'Jolly Man,' 
celebrating a birthday last week. 

Larry Tate, WCAU warbler, ex- 
hibiting his mugg on the 'latest 
Walter Donaldson tune. 

Ed Levy, Joe iPenner's scri , 
back home while Penner plays the 
Earle theatre, in Philly. 

Mickey Fields the editor of. 
Norm Ginsburg's (Shirley Howard's 
spouse) new sheet, the 'Radio 
Press.' 

Charley Shoffner, WCAU farm- 
talker, makes it ten continuous 
years on the air^-April 11. 

Jack Leitch join's the rest' of the 
country's head engineers for a trip 
out to WLW to look over the 500,000 
watts. 

WCAU manager, Bob Street, to 
Pinehurst for a snatched vacation. 

Joe. Breen, Jimmy Smith and Billy 
Kitts doing a Sunday eve feature 
via WIP from the Boyd theatre. 

Mayer Davis batoning the new 



THE 



ARMOUR JESTER 

PHIL 
BAKER 



EVERY FRIDAY EVENING 
WJZ, NBC NETWORK 
COAST-TOrCOAST 



NEW YORK 4 CHICAGO 

9:30-10 P. M. | 8:30-9 P. M. 

E.S.T. C.S.T. 

Thru SMUbn WJZ | Thru Station WENR 



HARRY 
McNAUGHTON 

ALIAS ''BOTTLE" 

THE ARMQUR HOUR 

Coast-to-Coast 
very' Friday Evening 



EW XOBK 1 

30-10 P.M., 
B.S.T., WJZ I 



NSW 
9 



CHICAGO 
8:30-0 P.M. C.S.T. 
Thro 
StaUon WENB 



Permanent Address, IAMBS' CLUB, 
180 West 44th St., New York City 



ABE 

LYMAN 

AND .HIS 
CALIFORNIA ORCHESTRA 

COAST-TO-C6AST 
WABC 

SUNDAY. 2:80 p. m.-8 p. 

WEAF 

VTBD., 
«:80 p. m. 
0 p. m. 



Los Angeles 

KHJ 

(Columl'la Don Lee Broadcasting System) 
1076 West 7th Street 
Vandyke 7111 ^ ^ 
' — Don - LeeyPresldentr"'"'^ "T" 
C. Ellsworth Wylle. Gen. Mgr. 
Raymond Paige. Musical end Program 

Paul Hlckenbacber, Production Mgr* 
Kenneth NUes, Asst Prod. Mgr. 
Herbert Wltherapoon, -Traffic Mgr. 
Arthur .T Kemp. Asst Adv. Mgr. ( II J. 
""David H penan', publicity. >- 
Thomas Lee Artist Bureau, Ted Braun. 

mgr KFI and KECA 

(NBC outlets) 
Enrle C. Anthony. Ino. 
1000 So. Hope Street 
Richmond 0111 
Eerl* r Anthony. President. 



ROY FOX 

AND HIS 

BAND 
CAFE de PARIS 

LONDON 

B.B.C. NETWORK 



VIVIAN JAMS 

"ZIEGFELD FOLLIES" 
CBS, Mon.-Frt., 12 Midnight 

Sole Direction 
HERMAN BERNI 
1610 Broadway 
New York City 



FOR 

BLOCK and SULLY 

's Newest Sensation 
PHONE 





SU 7-0128 



46 



VARIETY 



MUSI C 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



N. Y. Layoff Musicians Grumble as 
Insiders Divide Radio Work 



Lombardo Band Treks 




Los Angeles, April 2. 
Having finished their assignment 
in Paramount's 'Many Happy Re- 
turns,' the Burns and Allen pic, Guy 
Lombardo band goes Into the Or- 
pheum, San Francisco, for Fariehon 
& Marco, week starting April* 7, 

From there Lombardo jumps to 
Galveston, Tex., for two weeks a,t 
the Hollywood club, to be followed 

With an estimated 5,000 active , do. It's so bad that there are those I by a series of one nighters into. New 
musicians in New York, a select who. claim, the players are often too Orleans. Opens in latter town May- 
few commute between the studios physically tired out by the constant 4 at the Club Forest, for two weeks 




of the. two networks, playing in one grind to give the best in ' 



name band after tUe. other. ; In. the | 
meantime the unchosen many go 
■hungry. 

According to. a leader 
time weekly shot of his own, there 
are about 300 musicians,, if that | 



Name Own Substitutes 

Equally as bad is the . substitute 
system. When those in the select ] 
circle can't fill a job. they get their I 
own subs to replace. This prevents 
the. outsider from . getting a look-in. 



Band then plays some college 
dates and opens June 7 at the Wal- 
dorf-Astoria, N. T. 



musicians kept working con- 
stantly, from audition to rehearsal, 
to broadcast; and- back again. Some 
individuals aver up $600 
weekly. 



AA RATING FOR 
S-BCO.DIASCAP 



Another publishing firm, has been: 



many, on the air, from whose ranks Likewise it obligates the sub so that 
most orchestras^are ' ma ^uP^ Th f se | h j g DeDe ficiary gets any jobs the 

sub may not be able to fill In at 
some future date. 

Exception offered to the ' clique 
rule is that rare occasion when a 
. . member of the circle, is unavailable. 

Those on the outside, hungrily Y et there are instances where one, 
looking on, blame this partly on the of the- outsiders may have played added, to. the rank of . AA. in the 
agencies, partly on the leaders.. Both an audltion . and the sponsor sold, American Society of Composers, 
groups, it's advance ., want com- pn i y to be replaced, after- the band Authors arid Publishers, making 
pletcly routine -. ..men. As a result nad been accep ted, the point that three catalogs now holding that 
the personnel of some of the major . the orl&inal aale h ad been otherWise ^ ss f ca " on; , UPPln* 7 etlt ,*° 
commercial bands have a low per- made D eing overlooked Shapiro-Bernstein at last weeks 

centage of variation. So much, so | Another factor working against I meetlng o£ society publlsher- 

the outsider is a union ruling re- 
garding dues. Musicians must , be 
paid up' 6r no workee. This means 
they must often turn down calls 
It gets worse for these chaps daily, 
the back dues being- augmented by. 
fines for not being paid up. 



that there are instances on record 
where" "leaders have changed ' re- 
hearsal times because too many of] 
their: men have been, oh other jobs. 



And it's no novelty to have men 
walk in after rehearsals or pro- 
grams have begun, for the same 
reason. 

To. anyone spending Any .time at 
either or both the networks, this is 
as obvious as the brass 'buttons- on 
an NBC page bby's monkey jacket. 
Louis Sayde, violinist,- is offered as 
•one example, playing with Leo 

*"Reisman, Nat Shllkret, Lennle Hay ^ 

ton on Terraplane and ' Ipana-Sal I 
Hepatlca and others. Charlie Mar 
golles, trumpet, is with Hayton, 
Leon Belasco (Armour), Shllkret , 
Arnold Johnson (True Story). 



Music Notes 



rating, committee. Shapiro-Bern- 
stein's previous class, wais A.I 

T. B. Harms, Inc., also came in 
for a boost at this committee gath- 
ering. This, firm, which is a subsld 
of Harms, Inc., was moved from 
CC to B. 

Other publishers holding AA 
rating are . Irving' Berlin, Inc.; Leo 
Feist, Inc., and M. Wltmark. & Sons. 



ritish rights to 'The Dutch Mill' 
has been sold by Select Music Pub- 
lications, Inc., to Campbell-Con- 



SANTAELLA. DIVOBCE 

Los Angeles, April: 2 
Salvatore Santaella, Coast musical 
director, being sued, for divorce by 
Lillie Santaella on cruelty grounds 
Couple were married in 1922 and 
have one daughter, 12. 
Mrs. Santaella . asks temporary 



/Tommy Dortey. trombonist, Larry ; place * nde r'name- of Casa Nuova, 
Abbott and Dick Ladd r . saxes; Lou 1 



Mario Zanleoni has taken over 
management of the Hollywood night 

club, Barre, Vt. Will operate the | maintenance of $25 weekly, and also 

seeks custody of the daughter un 



By-laws Amendment Sets Up 
Non-Director Appeals Board for 
Classification Squawks in the ASCAP 



So.nik'* 6-Wfc. Tour 

Chicago, April 2. 
Harry Sosnik's band will be re- 
placed by an aggregation under Carl 
Hoffmeyer in the Edgewater Beach 
hotel ballroom .when Sosnik goes 
on the road. 

Sosnilc is scheduled to leave on 
the tour April 27 and ' be back 
within six weeks to open in the 
hotel's Beach walk spot. 



MCA SETS COAST TREKS 
FOR LEWIS, ELLINGTON 



; April 2. , 
Music Corporation of America is 
laying out tours of one night stands 
in coast states for both- the Ted 
Lewis and Duke. Ellington bands. 

Lewis starts immediately follow- 
ing his. current week at the Or^ 
pheum, San Francisco. Ellington 
pushes off after he winds up at 
the Cotton Club here. 



Mai Hallett's orchestra booked for 
the Junior Prom at the University 
of "Vermont, May 11. 



Raderman, Benny Baker and Manny 
Klein, trumpet, are some of those 
, doubling constantly. 

Few; Exceptions 

Exceptions to this rule are radio I Happy Merak's band now playing | 
bands who have .hotel spots where at the Hampton, Hampton, N. Y. 
this condition cannot, obviously, ob-' 



til her. education la; completed* 



Jack Mills is making a swing of 
his .branch offices. 



Cop's Concerts 

Major John F. Warner, son-in- 
law of Al Smith, plays the piano 
when, he isn't directing the New 
York State Police. He gave a re- 
cital before the Albany Community 
Chorus, his second concert appear- 
ance in recent months. 

Troopers' chief studied music for 
two years in Europe, and while at 
Harvard composed the music for a 
Hasty Pudding show. 

Joy Lovell now is m. c. of the 
floor show at the Green Lantern on. 
the. Schenectady- Saratoga. (N, Y.) 
jroad. 



Louis Bernstein beelined it for 
Miami to recover from a series of 
-sessions with, the law courts. Fig- 
ures to -stay there 10 days! 



tain, and * Rudy Vallee,' Casa Loma, 
Paxil Whiteman, etc: It may also 
be an explanation of why they're' 
tops. 

It's advanced that the agency 
angle 13 nartly one of fear, the radio I. Irwin Dash due in from London 
executive with the agency wanting aboard the. Washington, Thursday 
to make sure the band offered his (5) to pick up some publications 
clients wont flop. It also means, rights for the British territory from 
however, that the band submitted | both publishers and writers 
sounds just like its neighbor or 



NIGHT CLUB 




twin brother, which it may partly 
be. And those who decry the situa- 
tion say that the men who can't get 
the work are as capable as those 
that do. This holds particularly 
true of radio, where a program is, 



Donaldson, Douglas & Gumble has 

taken the . restriction off 'The House 
Is Haunted.' Tune is in the Zieg- 
field Follies. 



Donaldson, Douglas & Gamble pro- 



mainly, just a program, and it's ir- fe3sional ^ £rom Leo Ffelst Inc . 
revocably over when that last gong 



bangs. 



» 



Leo Zollo, currently at the' Ben 
ia, may be 



Musicians kept constantly oa the Frartklin> phiiadelph._, „. 

move are in surprisingly high Kubinoif's successor at the Roose 
money brackets. Very minimum is velt> New Y ork. Rubinoff pulls out 
$6 hourly for rehearsals. $12 per- of here for the . Goast April 12. 
formances. • Multiply that by the 
days of the weeks, including Sun- 
days and the number • of jobs they] 



He Sings— and How! 

'LITTLE' JACKIE 
HELLER 

who makes songs significant 
when ' he ulngrs . them via 
Chicago's NBC outlet, For 
example,- hear his rendi- 
tions of 

"A THOUSAND. GOOD NIGHTS" 
"RIPTIDE" 
"DANCING IN THE MOON- 
LIGHT" 

"I JUST COULDN'T TAKE IT, 
. BABY" 
"MOONLIGHT WALTZ" 
''INFATUATION" 



In Difficulties 

The Hague, March 24. 
Concertgebouw- Orchestra in diffi- 
culties and government will prob- 
ably have to lend a helping hand. 
Also seems eerta-in that Dr. Mehgel- 
berg will not take up his baton there 
again. Rumored that Bruno 
, Walter stands a good chance to 



JLOBBINS 

MUSIC CORPORATION 
■III 199 SEVENTH AVENUE |||| 
■III • • • NEW YORK • * * llll 



"14 Peeks' Solid ■ Bookings Available 
NATIONAL THEATRICAL AGENCY 
121) W. Saratoga St„ Baltimore, Md. 



MEET YOCB FAVORITE STAR OF -STAGE . AND SCREEN 
AT MIKE FFMTZEL'S 

CHEZ PAREE 

America's Smartest cstnarant and Supper Club 

011 Fal.t.onkK . ^ Delaware lOOu 

CHICAGO 



CLUB STRATFORD 

(PHILADELPHIA) 

Philadelphia, March 31. 
They have been saying around 
Philly that nite clubs have as much 
chance as a snowball In hades, but 
Meyer Davis upsets the, legend.- 
Band leader returned to his old 
hotel hangout and panicked them 
with the biggest nitery opening in 
the history of the town. Eighteen 
Mickey Addy has switched to the I years ago Davis played his first job 

1 in the same room. 

Atmosphere of the place reeks 
with swank. Seats 400, right 
oft the main floor lobby, hlgh- 
ceillnged ' rectangular room, band 
shell elevation at the center, and 
affords a spacious dance floor. 
Whole place Is remodeled; with 
yellow blue ^and silver making 
&• smart" and" subdued color idea. 
Some bad spots in the set-up 
because of large pillars and corners 
made by the bandstand. 

Tari is way up for the town at 
$2.50 minimum for Sats.j with the 
beaucoup price of $9 for Pomery's 
1926. Fare will completely elimi- 
nate the youngsters and most of 
regular n.c- Crowd, with Davis de- 
pending heavily on the socialites to 
see him through. Hostelry has al- 
ways heen the tony spot, and open- 
ing up this way may change the 
complexion of the town. 

Davis conducts his own 15 -piece 
unit, and m.c/S the Show. Blonde 
Phelps Twins open festivities with 
a pair of taps for a. fair hand, fol- 
lowed by Magician Paul Duke, 
whose tricks are lost in the big 
place and outstays his welcome 
anyway. Jeanne Travers, a torch 
singer from Roxy's gang; can't even 
be heard without a p.a. system. 

Night's sensation was the dance 
team of Gomez and Winona, who 
. s nared, . a_show-stop^ and^ thrjie^enj! 
cores. Rest of the show couTd" have 
gone home if this team had first 
spot instead of last. Bankers for- 
got their dignity, the crowd got off 
their hands and the place was in an 
uproar. Never has been a team so 
terrific.. iii Philly.. 

Davis' band is the largest of any 
nitery here, and does the smoothest 
job around. Plays the show neatly, 
and packed the floor for dancing. 
Draw of the place Is limited to 
money people, but is good for Pliilly. 
since it'll open the other dai-k nite 
clubs. Although it's a one-night 



JAN GABBER CATAIINAS 

Los Angeles, April 2. 
Jan Garber orchestra opens a 
summer stay at Catallna Island 
July 1, season extending until Labor 
Day. V 

While on the island, Garber 
Sunday Yeast foamev program will 
be etherized from KFI. Nightly 
sustaining programs over JCHJ and 
the Don Lee system will be picked 
up direct from the .resort. 



At present German 
conductor, Fritz Busch, taking Mon- 
teux place. 



burg,: the smartness, the food and 
the elegant, service may bring. out 
the lazy bridge players and start a 
rush of late night business. Q-osch. 



CUBANACAN, N. Y. 



Overnight this typically Cuban 
nitery on 114th street and Lenox 
avenue, just this side of the Har- 
lem black-and-tan sector,- will Arid 
itself famous one of these days and 
will be turning them away. That's 
the way of nite life in New York, 
but as yet this charateristic corner 
of Havana-in-New York hasn't 
quite caught on although more and 
more of the Weisenheimers are 'dis-. 
covering' it. 

If for nothing else, _a trip to the 
Cubanacan is very ' much worth- 
while to take in that authentic na- 
tive Cuban orchestra; They give 
but sons, danzons, rumbas and 
tangos only like a Leciiona, Azpiazu- 
or similar type orchestra can. It's 
the McCoy. Once heard there's no 
mistaking it. : 

Wisely enough ^ Proprietor Moreno 
and Manager Raymond S. . Sabat 
taboo any compromise with, foxr 
trotology and the like. The marlm- 
bula, ghourds,. maracas and all the 
native' instrumentation combine ; in 
some wicked rhythmics, all strictly 
native. 

With the band are Oflllea and 
Pimento, who do one of the hottest 
rumbas extant. It's, a somewhat 
naughty donkey comedy version, 
but it's v-olorful to say the least. 
Considering that the rumba basic- 
ally isn't exactly a gavotte that's 
okay, too. There are also native 
specialists of one type or another; 
likewise an assortment of hostesses 
to teach lonesome stags how to 
properly rumb. 

Chow is authentically Cuban, and 
the 'official' drink is, of course, the 

_daia; ueree._w lth. : Jt 3 bacardi _base. 

Minimum check $1; the f bod. spe- 
cialty of the house (native chicken 
with rice) $1.25; cocktails 50c. 
WBNX every night etheri/.es the 
band for 30 minutes from 11 p.m^ 
and this is the type of novelty in- 
strumentation that will help put 
this small station on the map. If 
the band had wider ether coverage, 
it Would be the type of bally for the 
house which would command turn- 
away trade. Cubanacan (the na- 
tive of a Cuban deity or chief) is 
one of the few novelty nitcrles lot'i 
in N. Y. Abel 



Writer and publisher members of. 
the American Society of Composers, 
Authors & Publishers: will now be 
in a position to take their squawks 
against the classifications handed 
them to a group outside the organ- 
ization's, board of directors. Under 
an amendment to the by-laws 
adopted at the annual meeting 
Thursday (29) of the Society, the 
writer and publisher factions will 
elect each a. board of appeals to 
review the-' ratings of dissatisfied 
members. 

In the case of the writer appeals 
coterie any decision made by it 
Will be accepted as final. Function 
of the -publisher appellate group 
will differ somewhat In 'this re- 
spect. If the latter board overrules 
a ranking designated by the pub- 
lishers' classification committee the 
finding will not become final until 
okayed* by the entire ASCAP di- 
rectorate, which consists of 12 pub- 
lishers and 12 writers. 

For their appeals board the writ- 
ers will elect by mail ballot nine 
members, with three representing 
the popular field, three the stand- 
ard element and three the produc- 
tion ranks. Publisher, tribunal of 
appeal will "be limited to six elec- 
tees, because of the relatively small 
number, of members in that faction 
who would be eligible. Amend- 
ment restricts, from membership 
on the appeals board all publishers 
who .. through partnership, of cor- 
porate association are connected 
with members of the publishing end 
of the ASCAP directorate, who also 
serve as that faction's classification 
committee. 

One-Year Terms 
It was figured that by eliminating 
those made ineligible through such 
affiliations. Arms not active In the 
business, out-of-town members, and 
concerns In the lower brackets* 
there would be only around' 50 pub- 
ishers to draw from, f erhr on the 
appeal boards is limited to one year. 

Idea of - creating' this board of ap- 
peals originated with the Song- 
writers' Protective. Association. It 
is the leaders of the latter .organiza- 
tion who have been fighting for the 
adoption, of the measure the past 
two years. Appeal board amend- 
ment is the only article. In the 
ASCAP constitution, or by-laws 
which permits the election , of any 
one directly by the collective mem- 
bership. The board of directors is 
self- perpetuating and the officers 
receive their appointments from 
the board. 

Annual dinner followed the meet- 
ing and the former event was an 
exceedingly pacific one as compared 
to what happened at last year's eat 
and gab fest. Only member who 
raised a. voice of disquiet at. Thurs- 
day night's affair was Billy Rose. 
The writer-cafe Impresario wanted 
to know what the Society's board of 
directors was doing to. reduce the 
organization's overhead so that .the 
members could derive heftier shares 
of the millions collected each year, 
also what was being done to 
the publishers to extend their con- 
tracts in the Society beyond the end 
Of 1935. 

Rose assailed the publishers for 
their attitude in the latter ; matter 
and scored the directors for con- 
tinuing to maintain high salaried 
executives in ASCAP and 'sidestep 
the problem of reducing the current 
cost . of collecting royalties, 1 which 
represents 31c. out of every dollar. 



MESS JACKETS 

FOR ORCHESTRAS 




STRIKING 

COLORS 



WASHABLE. 
FABRICS 



INEXPENSIVE 



ill* (et Sampltl 

Arthur M. Berger 

251 WEST 19th STREET 
NEW YORK CITY 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



MUSIC-NITE CLUBS 



VARIETY 



47 




Most Played on the Air Last Week 



. To familiarize the rest. of the country with the tunes -most sung 
and played on the air around New York, the following is the com- 
pilation for last week. This tabulation will continue regularly. 

These plugs are figured on a Sdturday-through-Friday week, 
regularly. 

Tabulation in turn is broken, down into tittq divisions : Number 
of plugs oil the major networks (WEAF and WJZ of the NBC chain, 
v and WA^C^ Icey station [of C&S) aloing , with .the . total . of. plugs on 
' New fork's tied, full-iifke independent stations— WOR^andW MCA. 
' Paid obtained from Radio 'Log compiled by Accurate Reportin 
Service. 



I- « * • * f • « ■ 



* • • • v 



itie 

'True'., . .,, . ; ... . • •• . • .., 

'You. Ought To Be in Pictures'... 
■'Over Somebody Else's Shoulder' 
'Wagon Wheels' .. .. . . ... .. . . . ... 

'Dancing in. the Moonli 
■'Without That Gertai 
'Carioca' .... ...... 

'I Knew You When* 
'Neighbors' ,'. . ... ... 

'Going to Heaven on a 
'Infatuation , . ... ... . . . ... ■:. . . . r 

• 'Let's Fall - hi Love' . ;•« .-. 
'What's Good for the Goose'. 1 
'She Reminds Me of You'.... 

'This Little Piggy' 



WEAF 

WJZ 
WABC 

: . 20 
. , 16 
... 16 



Mm fe' 



WOR 




WMCA 


Total 


.19: 


' 39 


17 


33 


16 


32 




29 




28 




26 




25 




25 




£5 




24 




24 




23 




23 




20 




20 




Battle of Jobbers Goes On- 
Trade Still Has No Legal 
Decision on Right . of Pub- 
lishers to Organize - for 
Central Distribution 



CHAOS THREATENS 



Ptk on Every Corner Irk Barney 
Gallant; Gifts Pal With Village Clul) 



Barney Gallant, who through .15 
years of prohibition was a -morev-Hor 
less an Immune institution In New 
York's Greenwich Village, because 
even the prohl enforcement 'sqhad 
recognized, that . Barney ran; high i 
class" joints. 'only, finally decided to 
get away from it all. Last 'week he 
turned - bVer as. a gift his ; $25,000 
Washington Square Club ' (better 
known as Number 19)' to Arnold 
Rossfleld,' his friend and head waiter 
for many years. Rossfleld will con- 
tinue operating No. 19 Washington' 
Sq. N. (thie bid Shattuck home) how 
that it has a license 'n* 'everything. 

The necessary likker license at 
first was slow in coming. Too many 
squawks . from the Wash. Sq. N.. 
residents. They never did like the 
idea of the snooty nitery which 
Barney ran amidst .the residential 
houses, but finally they gave in. 

But that's when Barney bowed 
out. He was accustomed to $1- - 
drink tariffs ($1.50 for imported 
champagne cocktails) and the like, 
but now that drinks are" to be had 
in Childs and on every corner it 
ain't what it used to be. 

Gallant's on Washington Sq. N. 
has a staff of 60. Arnold (as Ross- 
field Is best known to his patronage) 
will try.,and keep 'em all together 
in continuing' operation of the. club, 

He's been, doing that anyway 
every time Gallant decided to go on 
a trip around the world. 



Dario- Diane Stay 

Dario and. Diane, slated for two 
weeks' at Place PJqualle, N. T., 
have had their contract extended 
to the end of the season. Dancers 
just got back from .Hollywood. 

Marlon Chase is back at Piqualle, 
Claudette Carlay out. 



Hotel St. Francis Loses 
Murals, Rugs in Fire 

San Francisco, April 2. 

.Carpenters and decorators are 
working on the Colonial room of the 
Hotel St. Francis, which was ruined 
by fire last Sunday morning. Flames 
ate away invaluable murals, . and 
water destroyed rugs and walls of 
the dining room, which is adjacent 
to the Embassy roomj recently done 
over at a fancy cost. 

Most of the guests watched three 
fire companies battle the flames, 
among them William Wellmah, film 
director, honeymooning here; Gus 
Arnheim, Naomi Warner, and others. 



SPA Will Name Film Producer in 



Roberts Studies in L. A. 

Los Angeles, Apri 2. 

Biltmore .Bowl, former Gold Room 
at the Biltmore hostelry, reopens 
Thursday night (5) with Hal Roberts 
and his student orchestra providing a 
complete floor and stage show. Dance 
music will be played by a 21 -piece 
outfit,, with a 16 people chorus made 
up of six girls and 10 boys will 
vocalize. Trios, teams and other 
combinations will provide music 
and comedy. 

Opening night gate, of $5 includes 
dinner, dancing and a bottle of im- 
ported champai 



Roesner ived! 

San Francisco, April 2. 

Walt Roesner, maestro at the 
Warfield, is walking around in a 
.dream these ..days. 

He made a hole in ' one, legit- 
imately, too, at Harding, the other 
morning. 



Inside Stuff-Music 



Famous Music Corp. has yielded- to the protest of Ring Crosby. Pub- 
lishing firm will "hot include a picture of the warbler and his baby on 
the title sheet of 'Crooner's Lullaby.' Crosby contended that his con- 
tract with Paramount, of which Famous Music is a subsid,; does not 
allow exploitation use of his photo in connection with anything other 
than films. . 

■ Tmre involved -is" lTOtrfrom^a Crosby- film. ^ -.It's 'on the publishing firm's 
general release list with Sam Coslow and Arthur Johnson the co-authors. 



Hays office and Music Publishers Protective Association are due to 
resume negotiations for a standard synchronization contract April 15. 
MPPA is now ready to do business with the film men for the rights also 
covering Australia,' England and France; Authorization to represent 
these countries was recently obtained by the American publishers' or- 
ganization. 

Means that the MPPA is now in a position to set itself up as a world 
rights clearance bureau, or at least as a beginning in that direction. 
Head representative for the picture producers in the sync contract pour- 
parlers is Edward P. Kilroe. 



, Music Inc., is 

striking back at Max Mayer with a 
monopoly and. . conspiracy in re- 
straint of trade suit of its own. An 
order was obtained from Justice Al- 
bert Cohn in the. New York Supreme 
Court Saturday (31). calling upon 
the head of the Richmond -Mayer 
Music Co. to show cause why he 
and the nine publishers who set- 
tled their, erid of.-Mayer's. anti-trust 
suit while in midtrial shouldn't, be 
enjoined from carrying out the pro- 
visions, of the settlement agreement 
Order is returnable before .Justice 
Conn Wednesday (tomorrow). MDS 
is also asking that it be awarded 
$100,000 for damages allegedly al 
ready incurred through the with 
drawal action of these publishers. 

In the complaint upon which the 
show cause order was obtained the 
MDS charges- that Mayer and his 
counsel had stampeded the nine 
publishers into settling their share 
of the suit by picturing to the de- 
fendants, while the trial in the U.S. 
Court was on, the huge , costs they 
would have to bear if the jury re-j- 
turned, a yerdlct for the jobber. The 
settlement Agreements which these 
publishers signatured, states the 
complaint, constitutes interfer- 
ence, boycotting and discrimination. 
against the MDS and should be de- 
clared by the court as 'oppressive, 
illegal, in restraint of competition 
and null and 'void.' 

Named with Mayer as defendants 
are the nine publishers who settled 
with him before Judge Bryant, 
handed dorvn his decision declaring 
that Mayer, had not proved that the 
MDS operated illegally. Co-defend- 
ants cited by the MDS in its coun- 
ter action against Mayer consist of 
M, Witmark & Sons, Harms, Inc., 
Remick Music Corp., F amo us Music 
Corp., Irving Berlin, Inc., Ager, Tel- 
len & Bornstein, Inc.. Shapiro, 
Bernstein & Co., Mills Music, Inc., 
and Santly Bros. 

Douglas' Affidavit 

Accompanying the MDS injunc- 
tion petition is an affidavit signed 
by Walter Douglas, of Donaldson, 
Douglas & Gumble, one of the three 
publishing firms that saw the . Mayer 
suit through to a ~ffnlsn7 Douglas 
testifies in his paper to the. allega- 
tion that the publishers who with- 
drew from the Mayer trial had been, 
satisfied with their membership in 
the MDS and that by granting 
Mayer: preferential prices and with- 
drawing their support from the 
MDS they had destroyed the entire 
goodwill of the distributing outfit 
and also its ability to Serve small 
and large dealer alike on ah equal) 
competitive basis. 

Douglas' affidavit also describes 
the alleged system of 'terrorism* en- 
gaged in by the Mayer faction dur- 
ing the trial which, he alleges, co- 
erced the nine publishers into mak- 
ing private agreements of settle- 
ment with the jobber plaintiff. To. 
Start off, the settling publishers were 
frightened by Mayer's, trial counsel 
when In making his opening address 
to the jury he stated that the com- 
-plaint-- sough t---.to^recovlcr^.$l,25i)^6j0ili 
damages and that under the statute 
the amount of damages found by 
the jury is multiplied three times. 
Mayer's counsel is also claimed by 
Douglas to. have threatened in pri- 
vate conversations with- the defend- 
ants that the publishers who wcro 
most responsible financially would 
be called upon to pay the damage* 
awarded without any right of Con- 
tribution from the others involved. 

Complaint filed with the MD.S also 




Mayer's Rebuttal 



Mayer's legal camp yesterday 
(Monday) hot only engaged it- 
feelf in preparation for the 
crossfire before Justice Cohn 
but proceeded to set for notice 
of trial -which the jobber has 
had pending in the New York 
Supreme Court since Decem- 
ber, 1932. This latter action' 
was brought against the MDS 
and the same publisher de- 
fendants, charging that the 
Donnelly Act (the. State anti- 
monopoly law) had been vio- 
lated and asking for $350,000. 

Irwin A. Edelman, the job- 
ber's counsel, averred Monday: 
that it had been his client's 
original wish to let the Federal 
Court decision be accepted as 
the final dictum and that noth- 
ing be done about the State 
action, but Since, tlie publishers 
showed a disinclination to call 
it quits the Supreme Court 
litigation would be. pressed. 

Each of the publlshe'rs who 
settled with Mayer while the 
Federal court trial was on have 
paid the amounts agreed upon 
as their individual shares, of 
the court and Mayer counsel 
costs. This settlement money 
came to around $60,000. .Pub- 
lishers figure that in the event 
Justice Cohn Upholds the. MDS. 
contention that the settlements 
were unlawful' the coin they 
paid, over to Mayer's counsel 
will be returned to them. 



contends that the, -agreement be- 
tween Mayer and the nine publish- 
ers should be ordered vacated on 
the grounds that they constitute a 
contract , to break a contract. Re- 
ferred to here are the contracts that 
existed between the nine publishers 
and the MDS which, had until the 
end of this year to go. 

News' that the MDS and its coun- 
sel, Gilbert & Gilbert, were prepar- 
ing the restraining action against 
Mayer was bruited around the pub- 
lishing trade the early part of last 
week. It was also reported that the 
distributing combine was arranging 
to call attention of the Department 
of Justice to a supplementary 
paper affecting the NRA which 
Mayer's counsel had the nine pub- 
lishers' signature. In 'this supple- 
mentary paper, the publishers were 
asked to state that they were 
against Including in the music in- 
dustry's code a provision sanction- 
ing such publisher combinations as 
the MDS. 

In the meantime the stockholders 
of the -MDS - have decided to con- 
tinue the MDS ais. a corporation but, 
pending litigation; appoint the Maur- 
ice Richmond Music Dealers Serv- 
ice, Inc., as its agent. Richmond, 
Mayer's former partner, was the 
MDS general manager. The quar- 
ters and facilities he is now using: 
as a jobber were those of the MDS. 
Richmond's Clients 

In a letter he sent out to the 
dealer, trade last Week Richmond 
declared that the following firms 
were still shipping and selling 
through: hihi on an exclusive baslsr 
Bibo-Lang, Broadway Music Co., 
Irving Caesar, Inc., Crawford Music 
Co., L. B. Curtis, DoSylva, Brown 
& Henderson, Donaldson, Douglas 
Sc Gumble, Harry Engel, Inc., Fa- 
mous Music Corp., Leo Feist, Inc., 
Isham Jones Music Corp., Kelt Mu- 
sic Corp., Kornheiser-Schuster; Inc., 
Luz.Bros., Miller- Music, Inc., Olman 
Music .Corp., .j SelectjMuBlc...P ubllca 



Protective Associa- . 
tlon is preparing to test out in the 
courts the organization's claim to' 
authority oyer the synchronization 
rights of a member's- unpublished., 
Vork. Suit,, when filed, y.'ill, it is. 
planned, name one of the major pic- 
ture' producing companies. 

SPA and the Hays office; have; 
been exchanging words over this 
issue for a year, and the writers'; 
association feels >hat the only way 
it can be settled is through the pro-, 
cess of litigation. Dispute over the 
synchronization angle is responsible 
for the wrecking of negotiating be- 
tween these two faction! for a uni- 
form contract.' ' Film men have 
agreed to the improvement of vari-. 
ous -. conditions involving writers; 
employed by the studios "but refuse 
to budge from their original stand 
on the; synchronization point. 

Filmites Want Rights 
! 'Producers contend that when a ; 
i writer works on a. fixed salary: for 
them 'the studio -retains the syn- 
chronization rights to the manu- 
scripts regardless of whether the 
numbers -are used in one picture or 
another. SPA argues that the pro* 
ducer's rights- in this respect arer^ 
limited. Picture maker, holds the 
SPA, has claim drily on the com- 
positions he uses in the production 
for which .the writer had been en- 
gaged. If the producer shelves any 
of these manuscripts they cease to 
be -the property of the studio and 
their claim .in every way becomes 
that of the author, with the result 
that if the producer wants to re* 
sort to these shelved works for sync 
purposes in .some other picture he 
must deal for this right, with the 
SPA- 

Under.tfte by-laws of the writers* 
brganlzation the SPA holds the ex* 
elusive sync rights to a. member's 
unpublished compositions. 

Albany Active 

Abany, April 2.- 
Ten Eyck hotel- is offering eti 
competition to the New Kenmore 
hotel's floor shows, which have been 
doing bang up business all winter. 
Beginning Saturday (31) the Ten 
Eyck supplemented Herb Gordon's 
orchestra with Elsa Lang, Nilea 
Garron and Edith Bennett, Shurra 
Dante and Dick Wharton* 

Kenmore changed its show the 
same day, bringing in Bonnie Poe 
to succeed Ann Pennington, in ad- 
dition to. Barringer and Lazar, Kay 
Scott and Louise Roselle. Hold- 
overs are Harry (Happy) Stevens 
and Johnny .Johnson's orch. 

DeWitt Clinton hotel introduced 
a. local , maestro,. Francis Murphy, to 
succeed Don Mayhew's prch.. 



tions, Inc., Shapiro, Bernstein & Co., 
and Mil ton Weil Music Co. 

Shapiro, Bernstein and Famous 
Music (Publix Paramount subsid) 
arc among the nine publishers, who 
settled with Mayer. -Louis Bernstein 
of the S-K concern let It be known 
last wef-k that he would live up to 
his agreement, with Mayer Insofar 
as soiling at a discount the jobber 
whatc-vcr music he or.dfrf»d. Other- 
wise the old status o£ price would 



Songwriters' Protective Associa- 
tion ■ re-elected Sigmond Romberg, 
prez, Irving Berlin, v.p.; Fred E> 
Ahlert, sec.; Ira Gershwin, treas.; 
and Edgar Leslie, chairman of the 
council. Appointed councilmen were 
Berlin, George Gershwin, L. Wolfe- 
Gilbert, .George Meyer and Joe 
Young, 



obtain between his firm and Rich- 
mond as agent for the MDS. 

It . is the intention of MDS' coun- 
sel to call on the court after and 
If the injunction is granted to ad-:>^j 
judicate the law of monopoly and 
restraint of trade as it affects the 
MDS. As yet no court has de- 
clared itself on the legal aspects of 
the MDS. All Judge. Bryant did 
ln,hls,_ findlngs_wa s ^to_ave.r_ that, the 
evidence as presented by Mayer did. 
not prove to him (Judge Bryant) 
that the. MDS had been guilty of 
unlawfui methods. Yet to be settled 
is whether or not a group of pub- 
lishers have a lawful- rlght-to- com- 
bine for the purposes of shipping 
and selling centrally and doing this 
on the principle that the price of 
their product will be fixed and equal 
for all buyers regardless of quan- 
tity. 



48 



VARIETY 



VAUDEVILLE 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



UNIT REVIEWS 



Passing Show of 1934 

(ALBEE, BROOKLYN) 

For the Sliuberts to put oat 'ai 
'Passing Show' without including a 
single blackout in the production 
Is an event in itself. Not only is 
this 60-minute edition devoid - of 
blackouts, but it's pretty meagre oh 
anything else that might come un- 
der the head of comedy. Buster 
West proves: a first rate giggle 
raiser and Professor Lambert! rocks ; 
■em consistently, but the affair 
withal could stand a couple of 
crossfire experts with something 
really funny to impart. Otherwise, 
or a girlie shindig 'The Passing 
Show df 19&4' speaks loudly for the 
producing hands responsible. It's 
uneful, it's smoothly paced, it's got 
ieape of good noofing and warbling ( 
and the scenery and costumes easily 
pass' muster. 

But above all it's got a little 
bundle of smash .personality in 
Grade Barrle. Hera Is a beauty 
enhanced by an air of freshness- 
Combined with a lyrical voice is 
the flair to invest a song with emo- 
tional meaning ami deliver it with 
salesmanship deluxe. Though West 
gets the top billing, the reception 
that the girl received at the per- 
formance caught would: indicate 
that the hub of "The Passing Show 
of 1934' Is Gracie Barrle. 

Unit's other principals are Sandra 
Ward,. Diane McFarland, Tom and 
Ray ftomaine. Garter DeHaven, Jr., 
and Isabel Brown. For the line 
there's" a smartly drilled Chester 
Hale contingent. . 

After the opening., item, which 
gives - the line an opportunity to 
romp around in chiffon, the Romaine 
boys dish out a comedy ditty and 
tap, and Sandra Ward takes the 
next inning to tell 'em how she goes 
'bingo after one little drinko.' The 
line gives tootsle interpretation to 
the" 'drinko* narrative, and Buster 
West follows with a nifty little buck 
and wing of the hock school that 
'.ffcees hlin well for introductory pur 
poses. 

Succeeding scene^. is presumably 
the' show's big number. Revealed 
is a giant papier mache Turk smok 
ing- his water pipe, with the various 
parts of the face and chest so con- 
structed that they can be ma- 
nuvered. Kids in the audience par- 
ticularly thought it all great stuff, 
Diana McFarland, the soubret, in- 
troduces the scene in song and the 
dancing scenario gives .opportunity 
to 'some of the line to disport in 
veils; Isabel Brown to put her limbs 
through muscle control, acrobatic 
and contortion bits, and a girl, 
perched upon the water! pipe, to roli 
in free abandon the lone pair of 
totally uncovered peeks in the show, 
In -the next two items the pro 
ducer bunehes most of the produc 
tlon's comedy. First West, the 
Romaihe duo and Carter DeHaven 
Jr„ churn, up some nifty clowning 
with a verse set-td on the Mae 
Westian theme. DeHaven is cast as 
the betrayed farmer lad, while West 
does the flouncing in skirts. With 
things warmed up for him, Profes- 
sor Lambertl and his xylophone take 
over the next 10. minutes to deal 
out the old hoke. The show caught 
gave him a hefty average. 

Another routine from the line, 
this time clad in cowgirl regalia, 
and Gracie Barrle is slipped in for 
a repertoire of three numbers, nicely 
balanced in theme. It's the high 
point of the show. Next bit, with 
Sandra Ward and DeHaven in sup 





Memory Lane Revue 

(PITT, PITTSBURGH) 

Pittsburgh, March 30. 
This is Joe Laurie, Jr.'s, effort to 
combine his a.k's and a number of 
younger acts for the unit time. As 
it stands; everything's on the* side 
of the old-timers with nary a break 
for the so-called young *uns. 

In its present form 'Memory. Lane 
Revue' won't do for what It sets 
out to be. Divided into two distinct 
sections, with the new turns on 
first, followed by the parade of vet- 
erans in Laurie's familiar, presenta- 
tion act. it looked like a good idea 
gone wrong. 

Added to the old-timers are a 
skimpy line of six girls, Runaway 
Four, Bert Nagle & Co., and Edith 
Belin. After a toy-shop opening in 
which gals do one of those mechani- 
cal doll routines* followed by a 
good-looking gal in one lh another 
of those control dances, goes into 
full stage again for Nagle's 'Felix 
the Cat' turn. Spotted okay for 
production value, but poorly for en- 
tertainment purposes, since all this 
consumes 15 or 20 minutes with, 
nary a punch in sight. 

Laurie comes on cold after thte 
and doesn't belp; matters* much with 
with a monologue that couldn't be 
heard beyond the first few rows. 
That gave him a hurdle he later had 
to overcome, and not without a lot 
of difficulty. 

Leisurely piace continues .when 
Laurie Brings on the Belin gal for 
a song, in which she winds up doing 
it a la Garbo and Zasu Pitts, First 
sock is in long time arriving, com- 
ing with Runaway Four" in what 
amounts to next-to-closing for 
unit's first section. Mob is hungry 
for something to laugh at by this 
time and the hoke comedians 
cleaned lip. 

They're followed by chorus cos- 
tumed in Gay Nineties style ' and 
going into some musical prose de- 
signed to introduce the ak.'s. Full 
stage again is the Bowery saloon 
set, with Laurie as Chuck Connors, 
and from then on, of course, it's 
one solid click after another with, 
the \oid-tlmers going at it with all 
the vigor and enthusiasm of juve 
niles. 

Billed are Maxwell Trio. Lizzie 
Wilson, W. C. Handy, Annie Hart, 
Gus Hill, . J. Rosamond Johnson, 
Eddie Horan, Dave Genaro, Bob. 
Walters, <*ill Swan and Emma 
Francis, with Handy trumpeting 
his 'St. Louis Blues'. They all fared 
pretty equally and the Pitt hasn't, 
rung for some, time with such palm- 
pounding. 

With his veterans, Laurie has 
something he can depend upon. Of 
course, they're enough to carry even 
the weak opening section, but that 
brings up the question of whether 
his y.k's are necessary at all. If 
he needs them for those prospective 
dates, all is; well and good, but he 
should re-routine them, speed up 
the whole first half hour and get a 
better opening. . .Since it's not a 
matter of spotting here, inasmuch 
as old-timers are the big noises, 
Runaway Four should be in there 
as soon as possible. They're sorely 
needed earlier. 

For another thing, unit runs too 
long. Clocked at 80 minutes this 
afternoon and a little beyong that 
with Laurie's shrewd curtain 
speech. Cohen, 



HARLEM ON PARADE 

(RIVOLI, HEMPSTEAD) 

Hempstead, L. X, March 3.0. 
Typical colored entertainment In 
this, but With the advantage of 
Danny Small's good pacing and 
above average comedy for its class 
in the inclusion of Buck and Bub- 
bles. It is the male team and 
Small, and they alone, who give 
the unit what savoir fare it has. 

Also included in the usual- north 
of. 125th street a la carte is an. 

11 - piece . band, which adequately 
plays the. show, Babe. Mathews, 
Pope Sisters, Florence Hill, Hazel 
Hannah, Sammy Garader. Three 
Whippets, The Llndyhoppers and a 

12- girl line. Latter' zip through 
their four routines without regard 
for precision, or even the lesser fun- 
damentals of dancing, perhaps be- 
ing included strictly to give audi- 
tors an idea of what a fit set to 
music looks like. 

A notable fact of the unit is the 
almost' complete disregard of what 
laymen expect from Negro enter- 
tainment, i.e.; plenty of torso- 
bumping, grinding and other mani- 
testations of a moonlight setto on 
a levee.- The dancing is on the level 
of church-goers, and whatever hip.- 
weaving is included is strictly part 
and parcel of the squirming to be 
expected with a torch song. 

Title, 'HaMem on Parade;' is de- 
rived from Small's introductions of 
various members of the cast as 
from different Harlem clubs. Most 
of them deliver nicely, but it is the 
continuous repetition of their typeB 
of entertainment that badly dulls 
the edge. Small' zooms it. upwards 
again/but after a while the load be- 
comes too heavy,, and, just before 
Buck and Bubbles make their ap- 
pearance, it begins to appear that 
the unit Is in an ^insurmountable 
ditch. 

The comedy- team got a hand 
coming on here and at the bow-offs 
rang up a showstop lasting a full 
minute. Everything went and 
built to their funny tango finish. 
They give the show a hew lease on 
life, although the life does not. last 
long after their session as they are 
spotted near the close of. the 61 
minutes the unit runs. 

Babe Mathews and Hazel Hannah 
do the singing in separate spots; 
with Miss Hannah also Intermixing 
some dancing. Florence Hill does 
a semi-acro routine, while Sammy 
Gardner plays straight for Small as 
well as indulging with him in a 
hoofery contest. Later Miss Hill, 
Gardner and Small run through a 
rag time military routine. 

Pope Sisters (4) group around 
the grand for - four pops in bar 
mony; They're so light as to, look 
white under a blue spot. Three 
Whippets, mediocre male tumbling 
trio, and The Llndyhoppers, mixed 
pair; make up the rest of the spe 
clalists. Llndyhoppers, incidentally, 
keep their routine clean. Also brief. 

One of the nicer moments in the 
unit is the rendition of Small's Own 
composition, 'Shoiitin' in the Amen 
Corner,* by the m.c. and 10 of the 
11 boys, in the band. Scenery just 
fair, but the cast is very well 
dressed. 



NEW ACTS 



ETTA MOTEN 
Songs 
12 Mins.; 
Palace, N. Y. 

Etta Moten is billed as 'The Carl - 
oca Girl' and. naturally the custom- 
ers expect her to dance it, but she 
fools' them. Does . four songs and 
weaves a little, but ho formal dance, 
though she certainly can undulate. 
Brought out as co-feature on the 
Palace holiday bill, she was -an- 
nounced through the mikes; a dis- 
tinction hitherto reserved for radio 
acts, and she sticks pretty close 
to the mike, more for the change 
In vocal quality than through In- 
ability to fill the auditorium. 

Gets away for a few shakes for. 
Carioca,' but right back again. 
She's accompanied by a colored 
pianist but the orchestra cuts in 
every few ' moments, Opens, with 
a song about going back to; home, 
sweet home, and 'I Couldn't Take 
It,' from a recent Lew Leslie show, 
into the film song and back for 
'Forgotten Man.' 

Familiar trick of slow tempo and 
walling- voice which is regarded as 
dramatic! Her voice is not of good 
quality, but she handles it well to 
cover its shortcomings. Gets un- 
pleasantly nasal in her head tones 
at times, but that just goes for more 
dramatic effect. She started cold, 
but warmed . them with the dance 
song and asked to come back f ot- 
her fourth. Better showman than 
singer, Chic. 



Loew's Stata, New York 

This Week (March 30) 



port, brings out West at his best 
He crossfires, flops all over the 
boards, plies his hoofs through all 
their eyefetching eccentricities and 
makes of himself a highly entertain- 
ing fellow. From a quiet little duet 
between Diane McFarland and one 
of the Romaine boys the production 
swings Into a Carioca Idea for the 
finale. Lots of torso twlBtlng, but 
not much of it of a high terpsy 
quality. It's the one weak point in 
the dance makeup of the show. 

Odec. 



"The Mood of the Moment" 
"THE CARIOCA GIRL" 





in Radio Picture's "Flying Down to Ri 



SINGING PERSONALITY SONGS 

This Week (March 30) RKO PALACE, New York 



Mamagenwnt ED WIN W. SCHKtTINO 




Schumann's . piano playing; pot- 
pourri of Liszt Rhapsodies music, 
orchestra accompanying. Then an 
encore; plenty plaudits for more, 
but she. was not given chance. 

In excellent tenor Jan Peerce sang 
Celeste Aida' after corking send- 
off from Roxy as ♦worthy successor 
to Caruso'. Viola Philo sang the 
spirited 'Faikerlied' and audience 
begged for more. Then the show- 
stopper, Frank . Moulan. He brought 
the showmanship of his years as a 
Gilbert &. Sullivan comedian, and 
he had the . house by the hose. 

For grand .finale all hands took 
part , in playing and singing Victor 
Herbert melodies. 

Wee Willie Robyn was down for 
Macushla', but number was missing 
in show caught. 



GRACELLA AND THEODORE (5) 
Dancing and singing 
12 Mins.; One, Pull (specials) 
Orpheum, N. Y, 

• Standard adagio team doing a new 
act, which includes two story, 
rbutlnes and the singing of a special 
song by a mixed team; Although 
exceptionally well mounted and 
colorfully presented, this turn drags 
despite its 12-minutes running time. 

The impression of slowness, how- 
ever, may have been caused by the 
act's music, which at no time 
seemed to fit the dances. In fact, 
the heavy tunes seemed to be the 
main reason for the lethargic work 
of the otherwise excellent team. 

Sandwiched between the two 
adagio efforts is a special, with a 
man and woman in a cutout of a 
barouche singing a medley. This is 
very well done and quite exceptional 
probably to nabe audiences. 

First dance of Gracella and Theo- . 
dore is flashed on a scrim as 'A 
Temple Boy's Dream.' The lad's 
prayers to Buddha are answered by" 
the appearance of a. gigantic genii 
Who lowers the gal in interwlned 
fingers. In this routine' - the girl 
works on her toes. Second dance 
is 'An Episode of the French; Revo- 
lution.' This is more in the stunt- 
adagio class.. The rabble invades 
the boudoir of the princess and her 
efforts to escape winds up in Gra- 
cella taking a dive from a flight of 
stairs into Theodore's ' arms. Arti- 
ficial smoke is used in this number 
and the audience is warned in the 
announcement flashed on the trav- 
eler not to become panicky; 

Closed the five-act layout here, 
spot it will probably hold every- 
where. w 



Shea Recoverng 



Buffalo, April 2. 
Mike Shea, who has been con- 
fined to his apartment here for the 
past two weeks with grippe and 
sinus infection, is convalescing and 
expected back on the job this week. 

Shea -ilebrated his 75th birthday 
Easter Sunday.. 



ROXY UNIT 

(MET, BOSTON) 

Boston, March 30, 
S. L. Rothafel's (Roxy) own 
show makes its bow this week On 
the Metropolitan stage. Chief in- 
terest here, of course, centered in 
the Rothafel venture; excellent at 
tendance despite the fact that it 
was Good Friday coinciding with 
the advent of Passover. Reception, 
extremely cordial, indicated appeal 
through radio rep of Roxy and his 
troupe.. 

For. start there was, tremendous 
applause for the showman himself. 
His geniality, informal manner, 
quiet dry humor, again and again 
through ah hour and a quarter 
drew smiles, laughs and hand 
clapping. He was a distinct hit 
himself, whether leading the or 
chestra or pattering away, at intro 
ductions. 

Stage neatly set by Met Manager 
Ed Smith, whose big orchestra 
(Sevitzky's usually) was tiered in 
front of gilt drops, under modern- 
istic, huge chandelier, all deftly 
lighted. In front, two rows of the 
Roxy gang, the ensemble for a rear 
row, women right, men left stage, 
and in front of them the Roxy 
stars. In all 26 visitors, including 
Roxy and Tascha Bunchuk, who 
conducted several numbers, getting 
big hand, and who played first vio- 
lin through rest (Bunchuk's forte 
is the 'cello). 

Program mostly song, with some 
dancing and instrumental music. To 
tune from organ of 'Hail, Hail', 
-JBpxy^ateps^f6rth,^then^the^openlng 
number, 'Fantasy', with band, en- 
semble, singers, and Celia Branz, 
Robert Weede and Marie .Grimaldi 
taking part. Gypsy theme went over 
big. Harold Van Duzee, like all the 
rest, get hand at star t. 

In -pleasing coloratura soprano 
Beatrice Belkin scored with 'Blue 
Danube', followed by Robert Weede 
with 'Wagon Wheels'. Miss Branz, 
only local in the troupe, got an 
ovation. 

Miss Grimaldi pleased the. crowd 
with her toe dancing. The first big 
hit of the show was Henrietta 



Revive That Quartet' 

'That Quartet,' best known of the 
four-man combinations in vaude- 
ville years ago, is being reorganized 
by the two surviving members, 
Poodles Jones and Aubrey Prlngle. 
Act dates back 25 years ago. 

Original members with Jones and 
Prlngle were Frank Morrell and 
Frank Sylvester. In their places 
will be Wilson and Blumpker. 



PEGGY TAYLOR & CO. (4) 
Acrobatic Adagio 

5 Mins.; Full 
Orpheum, New York 

Peggy Taylor, formerly of Leon 
and Taylor and Kitchen Pirates, 
belong to that sorority whose chief 
claim to attention derives from 
their ability to take it. This girl 
has three , men handing it, stripped 
down to loin cloths and flowing all 
over with muscle. 

Act's outstanding bit comes in 
the . forepart of the routine. It's, 
a cross-stage body hurtle that keeps 
Miss Taylor on the twirl . as she 
completes the arc. . After , that It's' 
the usual procession of arch forma- 
tions plus some nifty interpolations 
of the muscle control art. In the 
latter the girl effects a series of 
designs while hoisted on one leg 
that gives the turn its one solid 
touch of the different. 

Closed here and registered in 
big way. Odec. 

FDUR CARDS (4) 
Acrobatic 

6 Mins.; Full 
Orpheum, New York 

Quartet of jumping- jacks that 
uncover a routine of ■ the more ex- 
citing sort Act Is compact with, 
swift flashes of bodies hurtling 
from springboard to perch-chairs, 
pyramid formations, chest-throws, 
butterflies and other exhibits of the 
acrobatic art. Among the props 
used is a barrel, into which the 
boys do much of their diving from 
the teeterboard, while the climatic 
bit is a triple somersault from the 
seesaw to perch. 

An opening act that will easily 
fit Into any class of bill if the main 
requirement is a fast start-off. 

Odec. 




BOOK1NGAOENCY 

General Executive Offices 





Actors and Others Attend 
AFA's Charter Meeting; Outsiders 
Attempt Steam-Up with Strike Talk 



hundred - odd performers, 
agents outsiders, in an open 
meeting at the Biltmore theatre 
Hew York; Wednesday night: (28), 
were officially apprised of the fact 
that the Actors* Federation of 
America had become a union... 

Paul Dulzell, executive secretary 
of the Council of Associated Actors 
and Artists of America (4 A's), af- 
filiate of the American Federation 
of Labor, presented the old White 
Rats* charter to the AFA, which 
originally started last year as the 
Actors* Betterment Association to 
combat the gyp benefit racket. 

Attendance at the meeting was 
below expectations, considering that 
the A.F.L. charter gives the AFA 
jurisdiction over , performers hot 
only in vaude and presentations, 
but also in clubs, cabarets, min- 
strels, circuses, carnivals, fairs, 
restaurants and music halls. Chorus 
girls in these branches, however, 
are under the Equity banner. It 
was the first meeting of variety 
performers under -A.F.L.. auspices 
since the White Rats dissolved 16 
years ago. Fred Keating* president 
of A.F.A., and Ralph Whitehead, 
executive secretary,, presided. 

There were a number of promi- 
nent speakers, most of them from 
outside the show business, and the 
tenor of the remarks from some Of 
the. orators seemed to be efforts 
to put the heat on the AFA mem- 
bership to take action against the 
managers. 

Some of those who spoke were 
Bernard S. Deutsch, president of 
the N. Y. Board of Aldermen; Paul 
Moss, License Commissioner and 
representing Mayor Fiorella La 
Guardia; Stanley Howe, Comrnis-^ 
sioner of Public Welfare; Bird S 
Cbler, ex-Commlssioher of Public 
Welfare; Alderman Lambert T 
Fairchild, and Jacob Panken, for- 
mer N. Y. Municipal Court judge 
and a prominent labor counsel and 

Socialist. 

echariized Actors 

. Panken was the most fiery of. the 
speakers, also the most radical 
He told the actors,, 'You are no 
longer creative — you have been 
mechanized by the motion picture 
moguls. Remember that you are 
no longer actors, but workingmen, 
and if you continue in that belief, 
no capitalistic power can. crush you 
and. you Will regain the high status 
In the amusement world you for- 
merly held.' 

Before Panken spoke a represent- 
ative from the I.A.T.S.E. (stage 
hands) told the congregation, that 
they were 'now part of the family 
and the stage hands will stick be^ 
hind you in any fight you under 
take. We know your problems — 
we know all about the dressing in 
halls.' William ~Manon«y, repre- 
senting Hugh.Frayne, state organ 
izer for the American/Federation 
of Labor and a former actor him- 
self, also told the meeting that 'I 
know your problems.' When he re- 
ferred to company unions and men- 
tioned the NVA as one of them, a 
woman In. the: audience shouted: 
•Why bring, that up?' Mahoney an- 
swered, 'Okay Let's forget about 
it. But it's a company ^union, 
nevertheless.' 

Whitehead sent an emissary from 
the stage into the audience to 
bounce the woman who did the 
challenging, but she could not be 
located.. 

Agent Objects 

When Whitehead mentioned iii 
his speech something about 'chisel- 
ing agents,' Phil Coscla, an indie 
agent, rose in the balcony and 
cried, 'Most times it's more the 
fault of the actor than the agent. 
I'm an agent and know— I never 
have gypped ah actor in my life.' 
Whitehead replied, 'I've heard that 
before also, but I don't believe it/ 

A glance around the : theatre 
showed that name acts were con- 
l . BplcuouB~by- their, absen ce. ; . 

AFA's board of governors was 
scheduled to meet last night (Mon- 
day) to discuss plans for future 
action in bringing under AFA lead- 
ership the principals of__the Jljffer- 
ent branches of the variety . field 
besides vaudeville. Another ambi- 
tion Of the AFA is a uniform con- 
tract. 

A benefit performance will be 
sponsored by the a* A at the New 



PENNER'S $40,000 

Philly Record— May Garner f 13,000 
for His End on % 



RKO VODE SPOT BALLYS 
STAGE'S ADVANTAGES 



St. Paul, April 2. 
Local RKO-Orpheum . is sending 
out and handing out at. the door, 
with the co-operation of this burg's 
association of commerce, an SOS 
plugging for the return of vaude. 
Broadside goes maudlin in spots, 
especially as it extols the old- 
timers; ■■ 

Folder points stage 
Shows"' mean revenue to railroads, 
hotels, restaurants, taxi companies* 
merchants, dyers* cleaners, printers; 
stagehands, musicians,- bill posters, 
etc. 

Explains /that recent check-up 
reveals 25% of patronage attending 
Minneapolis stage shows are St 
Paul people. Perforated tear-off 
coupon addressed to association of 
commerce entreats that body to do 
its durndest to bring stage shows 
back. 



Philadelphia, 
Looks like Joe Penher will walk 
out of Warners' Earle with $13,000 
in his pocket if the business pace 
set the first three days continues 
the rest of the week. If it does, 
house may reach a record, $40,000 
gross. Penner is in for $3,750 guar- 
antee and 50-50 split, with; the 
house over $21,000. 

The - hot .business thus far has 
been dented in money by the flock 
of kid attendance at this cheap 
price, but partially offset by the. 
turnover. House went , six shows 
opening day, unheard of f pr Good 
Friday iii' philly, seven frolics on 
Saturday -Sunday. Picture is 'Har- 
old Teen*. (FN). 



Barred 

Equity's Organizers Backstage; 
Code Authority Can't Help 'Em 



1st B'way Bigtimer 
Since Palace Opens 

Nite Club Delayed 



Reduced to Playing a 
Stooge in Chorus Bit, 
Says Rex Weber, Suing 

Rex Weber is suing, through I 
Robert Brbder, against Curtis & 
Allen and the Shuberts for cancel- 
lation of a Yiin. of the play', contract 
he held with the 'Passing Show* tab. 
Weber was dismissed from the cast 
of the unit Tuesday (27) at Proc- 
tor's, Newark, the fifth day Qf a 
week's engagement at the theatre. 

Weber claims Curtis & Allen, 
agents for the tab for the Shuberts, 
and the legit producers, gave him so 
many quick changes to make that it 
was impossible to appear in one 
of the scenes in Newark. The 
suit was, he says, that they can- 
ceiled his contract. 

Also charges they reduced his 
standing in the show from feature 
to that of a subordinate player in 
bits, even to haying him play a 
eunuch in a chorus-girl scene. 



RODNER VISITS SAN ON 
NVA INSPECTION TRIP 



Harold Rodner of Warners, hew 
vice-president of NVA Fund 

board, went.. Saranac Lake, 

N. Y., Friday (30) and spent the 
day, visiting the. NVA san patients. 
It was his first inspection trip tO 
the san in his capacity of reorgan- 
izer of . N.VA affairs for the circuits.. 

Rodner was accompanied "by Wil- 
liam Lee and Dr. V. M. Bluestohe, 
latter going along in an advisory ca- 
pacity as. an expert in such matters, 
Dr; Bluestone is superintendent of 
the County Sanatorium at Bedford 
Hills, N. Y.i and the tuberculosis 
specialist at Montef lore hospital in 
New York City. 



ecision on Vaude 
Codes Status Due 
From CA Bis Wk. 



Operators of the Indie Casino 
New York, which Opened yesterday 
(Monday) with straight stage showsi 
have decided to postpone Opening 
of the downstairs night club until 
determining if the theatre is a click 
All construction work on the 
cellar spot was stopped, last week 
when the operators decided against 
sinking more money into the place 
for the time being. Intention was 
to sell a dinner and the show as a 
combination for $2.50. 

Casino, first straight two-a-day 
stage policy variety theatre on 
Broadway since the Palace went 
combo two years ago, started yes- 
terday afternoon before 85% capa- 
city audience,, which included most 
of the Broadway bunch. Advance 
sale for the first week, or frpm 
Monday on, amounted to $4,500. 

Venture is gaitea to nreak at $20.- 
000, including around $12,000 for the 
shows, and . at capacity can gross 
about $38,000 at the $1.50 top scale. 
Palace top was $2. Casino seats 
2,500. 

Flock of managerial names con 
nec'ted with the Casino include 
Haring & Blumenthal, Jack Shapiro 
and Harry Shiffman as the oper 
ating partners; Bobby Connolly, 
producer; Arthur Fisher, booker; 
Mosconi Bros., dance stagers; Elmer 
Rogers, house manager, George 
Woods also fits in isomewhere in the 
booking end,, withall the acts on the 
opening show clearing through him. 
George Jessel, at $3,000, is the first 
headliner. 

Opening bill is expected by the 
house to hold up for a three weeks' 
run. Tentatively set for the second 
show are .. Harry Richman and Al 
Trahan. 

A notice oh the opening show, re- 
viewed at the matinee, Is on the 
House Review page of this issue. 



MEMPHIS ORPH CANCELS 
UNIT; F0RKINS SUING 

Marty Forkins, as producer of 
'Going to Town,' suing the Or 
pheum, Memphis indie, for the last 
minute cancellation of the colored 
unit prior to Its scheduled opening 
Friday (30). Forkins, who _iolds a 
contract for the date oh a straight 
percentage arrangement, refused to 
accept the cancellation and sent the 
unit on anyhow. It did not open. 

Orpheum, formerly operated by 
RKO and now by Orpheum, Inc., 
decided, due to the current holiday 
week, to drop the stage show for a 
straight picture policy. 'Spitfire,' 
RKO film, is in on its own. 

Billy Diamond books the house 
out of Chicago. 



News on status of the vaudeville 
section of the Motion ricture Code 
is expected from Administrator 
Rosenblatt late this week, probably 
Friday: At that time it is expected 
that Rosenblatt may propose the 
opening of rehear ihgs on the new 
code as proposed by the Code Au- 
thority. 

Executive order from Washington 
is necessary before rehea^ings can 
ba held, with the rehearings re- 
quired in order to put through any 
changes. Understood Rosenblatt 
will submit the redraft to Washing 
ton this week for approval arid open 
hearing permission. The hearings, 
if held, will be on the redraft as 
written by the Code Authority from 
its recent findings; 

MAX LANDAU BACK TO CHI 

Max Landau returns to Chicago 
this week to reenter the agency 
| business there. 

Landau, former Western Vaude- 
j ville franchise holder, has been in 
New York for the past four years. 



Motion Pictures Code Authority 
yesterday (Monday) declined to act 
on the complaint iftled against the 
Radio City Music Hall by Mrs. Dor- 
othy Bryant, Chorus Equity head, 
stating, the code, has no authority in 
the matter. She contended that the 
Music Hall violated the code by re- 
fusing backstage admittance ;to 
labor Organizers. 

In her complaint Mrs. ryant said 
that the Music Hall management 
and backstage staff had been refus- 
ing entree to Chorus Equity repre- 
sentatives arid had been giving them 
'the runaround' since January. 

In attempting to work through or- 
ganizers backstage at the Music 
Hall, Mrs. Bryant declared, Chorus 
Equity follows the same procedure 
that is applied/ to chorus unionizing 
in the legitimate theatre. ■ In refus- 
ing to admit the organizers; averred 
Mrs; Bryant, the Music Hall violated 
the code, pr iving workers 

the right to have representatives of 
their own chbsing. . 

Code Authority's; inion, in] de- 
clining to intervene for Mrs. Bryant, 
is that the Music Hall does not 
withhold any rights to its chorus 
people by refusing backstage admit- 
tance; to union organizers; that as 
far as has been shown there Is no. 
intimidation, nor has there been an 
effort on the Music Hall's part to 
interfere with Chorus Equity's ac- 
tivities outside of backstage at the 
Music Hall; also that the C^ode Au- 
thority can't tell the Music Hall 
management whom to admit : back- 
stage. 

Music Hall has a standing staff of 
64 dancing line girls, plus a number 
of alternates, and a mixed singing / 
corps of around 60. Under Equity's 
•deal' with the American Federation 
of Actors, under which the latter 
was granted the White Rats* labor 
charter, Chorus Equity has chorus 
jurisdiction in vaudeville and pres- 
entations.. Music Hall classes as 
a presentation house. 



Interstate Units 
Freeman's Deal 



Future Indef; 
With Aaron Jones 



Pack's 2d Unit AH 
Set, Charlie King Star 

Harry Puck's second venture afc a 
unit producer, based on an act done 
in vaude by Charlie King, opens 
Friday (6) at Fay's, Providence. 
King 9tars In the show.: 
. Others in the cast of 38 are How- 
ara^TTftWsbn^ 

Gould, Melissa Mason, Anita and 
Emanuel and iC girls. 



Amsterdam,. N. Y., Sunday 'night 
April 29. 

I NVA's annual benefit show at the 
! Metropolitan Oppra House is sched- 

ulod for the following Sunday night, 

May 6. 



Upon arrival in New York this 
week of Bob O'Donnell, it is ex- 
pected- the fate of stage units on 
the southern Interstate time, at 
least, will be determined. Current 
agreement under which the shows 
are booked from New York by 
Charlie' Freeman has three weeks 
to go. Shows commenced last fall 
for a trial period of six weeks, and 
as a result of business were ex- 
tended, for 12 more. Extension ex- 
pires May 1. 

In any event it is said. Freeman 
will move his office out of the Para- 
mount building in New York. He 
may leave for Chicago at the end 
of the week to discuss a deal with 
Aaron Jones (Jones, Linlck & 
Schaefer). This wOuld involve the 
addition of some independent 
middle western time to the Free- 
man book, which now includes only 
the four weeks in Texas. Lack of 
playing time to precede and follow 
the Interstate has been a handicap 
right along. 
- - The^major'. circuits ' have- all ex- 
pressed themselves as not in favor 
of playing the non-name type of 
$3,750 and $4,000 produced expressly 
for the Freeman time, with hopes 
of obtaining follow-up bookings 
elsewhere. Few of these units have 
been booked, in circuit theatres, and 
then for but a weok or two. 

Because of the southern route's 
limits and no assurance of further 



bookings, few producers have 
chanced staging the shows. While 
for those producers that have, taken 
the risk, there has been the prob 7 
iem presented by the. long jump 
from the norths for the first date, 
plus the necessity of recouping the 
Investment as soon as possible. 

Around $500 of the weekly $3,760 
or $4,000 has been charged Off for 
transportation, while the return on 
the investment In a couple of weeks 
has necessitated an even greater 
reduction. With additional time to 
help out, the transportation charges 
Could have been shortened and the 
investment allocated over a longer 
stretch. 

Unit that received the best all- 
around reaction in other booking 
offices was the first, the Johnny 
Perkins show. Units produced 
thereafter were adjudged by - other 
arid circuit bookers to show the ef- 
fects of the transportation and In- 
vestment drain on the budgets; 

Interstate has had a profitable 
1 =sTtCBtnr--0n=t h tr^wh ole^witb-th e-u nits! 



Jack Engtish Stricken 
With Obscure Ailment 



jack English (Hawthorn and Eng- 
lish) is . in a serious condition at 
French hospital, New York, with a 
leg ailment. His complaint la a 
blood infection of the legs, little 
known in this country and called 
'Russian disease' by the doctors. 

English is. 62 years old and the 
father of six children. 



Downey Unite Folds in 
Pitt After 26 Weeks 

Pittsburgh, April 3. 
Morton Downey unit, with Britton 
band, Ruth . Ford and line, of Beebe 
Barrl girls, folded here aft Penn last 
Thursday night (29) after 26 weeks 
on the road. 

. Production . was tentatively ..slated 
for Loew's six Metropolitan weeks, 
but couldn't agree oh terms. Dow- 
ney is. slated to return to CBS 
shortly on a hew network program. 



Hannas Divorcing 



Units in Youngstown 

Youngstown, April 2. 

Hippodrome, dark several months, 
will reopen Easter Sunday, with 
units in support of pix. 

House Operated until it closed 
with grind film policy and occa- 
sional vaude acts. 



Los Angeles, April 2. 

Beth Berri, vaude dancer now 
here, is seeking a Mexican divorce 
front Mark Hanna, international 
film publicist. 

While Hanna represented Para- 
mount in the Orient, Miss Berrl 
became acquainted with the Far 
East variety booking situation and 
she contemplates sailing from here 
for some engagements in that terri- 
tory. Hanna is currently in New ; 
York! 



State-Lake Acts 

Chicago, April 2. 
_ Roy At well, com es Jnto the State 
Lake as headliner this' Friday "(g) 
on a hurry call. Replaces Blanche 
•Sweet, who bowed out for the time 
being due to other dates. Miss 
•Swoot is due before Fair time, how- 
ever. , 

Paul Ash continues indef as pres- 
entation m.c. Originally spotted 
for a 'fortnight stay, Ash now goes 
into his fourth week. 



50 



VARIETY 



LESQHE 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



Burlesque Code 



Article I— Definitions 



TORONTO COPS ACTIVE 

Ban Sunday Midnita Burley* 
and Hot Literature 



1. The term 'Burlesque' as. used herein,. Is denned to be a type of musical enter in- 
ment known In theatrical parlance as burlesque; . advertised as such -or by other-, tme 
Which conveys to the public such entertainment, and is intended to include performances 
wherein burlesque is principally rendered in conjunction with incidental motion or. -sound 
picture performances and all performances or attractions usually identified with or. typical 

0 2^ U The Q term 'Member of the Industry as used herein. : Includes, but .without limita- 
tion, any individual, partnership, association, corporation or other, form of enterprise 
engaged In the Industry, either as an employer or on his or Its own behalf. 

3. The term 'employer' as used herein, means any- employer engaged in the Industry. 

4. The term 'employee' as used herein, includes any and all persons engaged in the 
Industry, however, compensated except a member of: the Industry. -• 

6: The terms 'Act* And 'Administrator.' as Used herein; shall mean respectively Title I 
of the National Industrial Recovery Act and the Administrator for. Industrial Recovery. 

Article II— Clerical and Office Employees 

■1, person emploi-ed in clerical or office worfc shall be permitted to work In excess 
of forty . (40) hours in any one week or nine (!» hours in any twenty-four (24) hour 
period, arid such employees shall be paid not less' than Fifteen ($15) Dollars, per weeK. 

Exceptions as to Hours 

2. The hour provisions of this Code shall! not apply to persons employed In a man- 
agerial or executive: capacity who earn: not less than Thlrly-flve ($35) Dollars per week 
or to emplovees in emergencies Involving protection of life or property, .but at least one 
and one Half (IV>) tlmestho normal rate shall be paid for hours worked in emergencies 
in excess pf the maximum hours. 

. Employment, by Several Employers 

3. No employer shall knowingly permit any employee'- -to'.-work for- any time" which- 
when totaled with that, already performed "or anoJh.er employer, or employers, in this 
Industry exceeds the maximum, pprni.'tted herein. 

I. Article 1 1 l-^Perf brmers 

1. 'Principals: (norXorroers other- than' chorus members), .shall be paid . not less than' 
Thirty-five ($35) Dollars per ..week.. ■'•'' 

>2. The chorus members shall be paid hot less than- Twenty ($20) Dollars per week 
In stock or 'resident companies, and hot less than Twenty-two Dollars and' Fifty ($22.50) 
Cents per. week In road. companies; .-provided,; however,, that wherever-on Oc.tobep.l, 1A33,. 
any theatre paid a rate- to chorus members in excess of , the minimum wages. herein .pro-r 
vlded, said -higher wages. shall be deemed to-be and. are-. hereby, declared to be the mini- 
mum scale of Wages with respect to such theatres: '.'•'"■ .''."'' 

•3. The' producer shall rot' engage any p'efformer under- any agreement which would- 
•reduce -the- .net-, salary, .below the., minimum wage, through the- payment of any fee. or 
commission to any agency (whether- such'fee ; is. paid by the producer or In£3p.endent cori- 
' tractor or toy. the performer); -or *by ' any other forni 'bf dedUetlOH. '. 
- 4. Wherever any company is required to give more than the regular number of per- 
formances contracted for, all performers shall be.-.paid for said extra performances at a 
pro.' rata proportion ' of the weekly- Salary. Such pro.. r)ita proportion shall be not lose., 
than, one fourteenth (1-14). of the. Weekly salary in a" ' 'two-arday ; house', ahd- not less 
than at the rate.. of a Phow. : ahd .a half iii other 'than' & two-a-day 'house. 

Xi;,' The -employer shall furnish to chorus members, without charge, all hats, costumes, 
WigSf shoes, tights,-, and stockings, and. other necessary stage : wardrobe. 

0. The cost of- transportation of the actors and chorus, when required to travel, Includ- 
ing' transportation from point 'of organization and. back, including, sleeping car accom- 
modations, shall be paid by the employer..-. 

7. If individual notice, of contract termination" is given -by- the. employer the actor' or 
chorud .member, shnll be' paid in -cash -the amount- of. the cost of transportation including 

•sleeping car accommodations of. the actor of chorus, member and. baggage back to. the 
.point of. organization whether the company returns immediately. or. not, .'• . 

8. Actors 'and chorus mctnbers' . shall' be guaranteed . two. (2) -weeks' employment. ahd 



Toronto, April 2. 

With the moralists again up in 
arms, Mayor Stewart has launched 
an intensive drive involving Sunday 
midnight burley shows, circulation 
of reputedly obscene printed matter, 
operations of handbook . meh, and 
the tactics of gypsy girts in solicit- 
ing trade for ostensible .fortune- 
telling establishments. 

Steps have been taken with , the 
Attorney-General's department to 
threaten licenses of burley -houses 
staging Sunday midnight per- 
formances but the mayor makes it 
clear that he is' not attacking, 
picture houses because pictures 
have been reviewed and modified, 
by the Board of Censors. 



JOE BBOWNINGr TIRES 

Hollywood, April 2. 
Joe Browning, mOnoIogist, after a 
four month try to break into pic- 
tures as an actor or writer, gives 
up the ghost and leaves April 7 -for 
Chicago to resume stage Work. 



Toronto Police Clear Dancer 

Over a Question of Rosebuds 



The Runway Bit 



Fred Allen, thinks that since 
the removal of runways from 
New. York burlesque theatres, 
there is now nothing over the 
audience's .heads. 



Burly in Oakland 

San Francisco, April 2. 

Sam Goldberg, 'Goldie the Candy 
Butcher^' of Los Angeles,, has taken 
the Fulton in Oakland and reopened 
it 'with burlesque. Fulton , had, been 
dark •. f or >ocoasional -flings at . 

stock during' past year. : • 

Goldberg: has beejn dickering' fpr a 
fFrisco house for some time, but ho' 
go: so far. 



two (2) .weeks' advance notice on the road- and one (1) .week's advance notice In stock 
of 'dismissal bf ah ; individual or one 0) week's advance .notice of -the ■ closing of the 
company; either In 'stock or road BhoW; provided, however;' that iwlthin .the- first two 
(2) days' rehearsal an actor or chorus • mfember may be dismissed without notice or 
guarantee.' . 

1). .Chorus members shall be released from work with, pay not less than one day out 
- ot\ every fourteen. (14), and the day the- chorus member is released from work such 
chorus member shall not.be required to rehearse or report to the theatre or perform any 
service.- .This provision for a free day shall not apply to a. traveling company. 
. 10. 1 By 'reason of the peculiar f attire.' of '.this Industry,' It :1s impracticable ' without 
further data.- to be -furnished by the' Code Authority,- to set the maximum hours for 
actors and- chorus. Therefore, the Code Authority shall investigate the hours of labor, 
'wages, and working conifltlons of actors and chorus, and within, the period of ninety 
(00) days from the. effective date of this Code shall report thereon to the Administrator. 

11. Tho. actors and chorus members shall not be rehearsed for more than two (2) 
weeks without full pay. 

12. ' No employer - shall re-classify employees .or. duties of occupations performed, or 
engage in any- other subterfuge for, the purpose 'of defeating the purposes or provlslohs 
of the Act or -of, this Code. r ■ :■ ' •/ 

Article IV-^Treasurers, Company Managers, Press . Agents, and Other 

Employees '•' 

1. House ^managers, company managers and hotase 'treasurers shall be paid not less 
than Twenty-five ($25) Dollars per week for a maximum week .of forty (40) hours. 
Assistant treasurers shall be paid not loss than Eighteen ($18) Dollars per week for a 
forty (40) hours week. " '''..' 

2. Press representatives shall be ooild riot less than Twenty-five ($25) Dollars per 
week, -hours of labor not being fixed due to nature of employment.' ' 

3. Heads of Wardrobe departments shall tie paid not less than Thirty-five ($35) Dol- 
lars per week for a maximum week of fdrty (40) hours. Sewers shall be paid not less 
than Fifty KoOe.): Cents per hour and shall not be employed for more than forty (40) hours 
per week. I ; 

4. Ticket sellers, porters and barkers shall be paid not less than Thirty-five (85c.) 
Cents: .per hour- for a maximum week of forty' (40) hours. '■■'.■' 

B. All . other, employees of the .employers (not otherwise' provided for) suoh. as ushers, 
ticket takers,' scrub women, theatre attendants, etc;, shall be paid : not less, than Thirty 
(30e.V Cents .per hour for a maximum week of forty (40). hours. 

rticle V^Musicians, Theatrical Stage Employees and Movi icture 

Machine Operators . 

1. (a) Employees associated with organizations of or performing the duties of bill- 
posters, carpenters, electrical workers, engineers, firemen', motion-picture machine opera- 
tors, oilers, painters, theatrical stage employees, Or other skilled mechanics and artisans, 
- who are directly and regularly employed by the -employer, -shall receive not less than 
the minimum scale and work no longer than the maximum number of hours per week 
(but not more than forty (40) hours), which were.. in force aa of the effective date of the 
Code, as the prevailing sqale.of wages and maximum number 'of 'hours, of labor by organ- 
izations of any of such employees affiliated with the American Federation of Labor with 
respect to their respective type of Work 'in a 'particular class of theatre or theatres In a 
particular location in a particular community,' and such, scales and hours of labor with 
respect to any or aueh employees In such community shall be deemed to be and hereby 
are declared to be, the minimum scale of wages and maximum number of . hours with 
respect to all such employees in s.vch communities In such class of theatre or theatres. 

(b) Where the wage scale pf any of said employees is, upon the effective date of this 
Code, based upon employment in excuss of forty (40) hours per week, then in that event 
such employees shall receive compensation at the -same hourly rate of pay as upon the 
effective date of this Code for the forty (40) hour' week and for an equitable readjust- 
ment shall receive, because bf the reduction in hours over forty (40) which may have 
been In force prior to the effective date of this Code, additional pay computed at the 
rate of fifty (5070 percent of the hourly scale for all hours in excess of forty-eight (48) 
hours per week'whlch may have been previously worked. 

(c) In the' event, however, that (1) no prevailing scale of wages and maximum number 
of hours for such employees exist in such community with respect to such' employees, 
or (2) any dispute should ar;se as to what is a minimum scale of wages or the maximum 
number bf hours of labor with respect to any of such employees for a particular class 
of theatre or theatres In any particular community then and in either of those events 
•uch disputes shall be determined as- follows:- 

(1) If the question at Issue arises -with an organization of such employees affiliated 
with the American Federation of Labor, then a representative appointed by the National 
President of such affiliated organization, together . with a representative appointed by 
the employers, shall examine Into the facts and determine the existing minimum scale 
of wages and maximum number srhouw ~5t .labdi^ fo'r^such'class "of' theatre' of 'thestres 
in such particular locality, and in the event they, cannot agree' upon, the same, they, 
sljall mutually designate nn impartial third person who shall be empowered to alt. with 
such representatives', ' review the facts and finally .determine .such dispute, with the 
proviso, however, that In the event such representatives -cannot mutually agree upon 
such third person, then tho Administrator shall designate . Such third, person; or 

(2) If the question at Issue arises with unorganized employees of with an organiza- 
tion.' of such .employees not affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, and If in 
said community there exist members of such affiliated organization directly and regu- 
larly employed by any employers, tlien a representative of such unorganized employees, 
or,' ns the case may 'be, a. .representative appointed by -the -President of such'- unaffiliated 
organization; or '.both, together with' a representative appointed by the ..National Presi- 
dent: of such nfnilated- organization above referred to, together with a' representative 
appointed by the employers, shall 'examine into the facts and unanimously determine 
the existing isoale of wages and maximum' number of hours of labor for Buch class of 
theatre or theatres in such particular community, and In the event they cannot unani* 
mouslv agree upon the same, they shall mutually designate an impartial person who 
shall be empowered to. sit with Such representatives, review the facts; arid Anally deter- 
mine such dispute,, with the proviso;, however, that In the event .such representatives 
cannot mutually agree upon such, lmr arti?Jt person, then the Administrator shall deslg 
rate such Impartial person; or .. 

(3) If the question at issue arises with unorganized employees or with an organlza 
tlon of such employees not affiliated with the American . Federation of Labor and not 
subject to the foregoing provisions of sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) of Paragraph (c) 
hereof, then a representative of sveh unorganized employees, or, as the case may be, 
a representative of the President of such unaffiliated organization, or both together, 
with a representative appointed- by- the employers, shall examine into the. facts and 
determine the existing minimum scale of wages and maximum hours of labor, for such 
class of theatre or theatres in such particular locality; and lh the event they cannot 
agree upon the same, they shall mutually designate an impartial person who shall 
he empowered to Sit With such representatives, review the facts and finally determine 
such dispute, with the proviso, however, that In the event such representatives cannot 
mutually agree upon such Impartial person, then the 1 Administrator shall deslgnute such 
impartial person. .* ... 

(d) Pending tho determination of rfny such dispute, the rate of wages then paid by 
the emnlovers In such theatre or theatres in such community, and the maximum number 

^rHours - {hWlh^force^sT^^ 

However. If the hours exceed thpse established. by this Code they shall be decreased to 
the maximum allowed. ... ■■ ■■ . . . 

(e) In order to effectuate the foregoing provisions of Section 1. hereof, and pending 
the determination bf any dispute as above specified, the employees herein embraced and 
provided for agree that they shall not strike, and the employers agree that they shall 
not lock out such employees. ,„ 

2. In no event shall the duties of any of the employees hereinabove specified In 
Section 1 (a) directly and regularly employed by- the -employers as of the effective date 
of this Podc, be increased so as to decrease the number of such employees employed 
in any theatre or theatres, in any community, except by mutual consent. 

3. ny. reason of the. professional character of their employment, the. minimum wage 
and maximum hours of employment of employees performing the duties, of musicians 
shall as heretofore be established by prevailing labor agreements; understandings, or 

^^NvMh rofspect to disputes ails'ng between employees and employers the parties 
ledge thei solves to attempt to arbll-ate all such disputes. 



5. Overtime shall- be compensated , foi; at tho rate of one and One half (1%) times' the 
normal rate. '. . ,'.' '■ ''•'..■'.•. ' '" . . .' '•'.'.",. 

. 0. The Administrator after such, notice and heaf.ng as'he shall prescribe mav revise, 
or modify any determination of, any dispute' pursuant to Article. V, Section 1 hereof. 

Article. VI— -General' Labor Provision's . 

1. Employers shall not employ any employees under the -age of .eighteen (18) years. 

2. In compliance wlfh Section T- (a) of the Act it Is provided: . 

(a) That' employees shair have, the right to organize and bargain collectively- through 
representatives of their. Own- choosing, and shall be, free from the Interference, reytraint, 
or coercion of employers of labor, or their agents,' In the 'designation of such represen- 
tatives or in self-organization or In other concerted activities for the purpose Of collec- 
tive bargaining or other- mutual aid or protecton ; -.. 

(b) That: no. employee and no one seekn'g employment; shall be- required as a con- 
dition of employment to join any company union or to' refrain from Joining, organizing, 
or assisting a Iabpr organization of his. own choosing; -and 

; (c) That employers Bhall comply with the maximum- hours of labor, minimum rates: 
of pay and other conditions of employment','- approved' or prescribed .by the- President. 
. 3. No provisions In this Code shall supersede any- State or Federal Law Which, im- 
poses more stringent requirements on employers as to age ot employees, wages, hours, 
of work, or as to safety, health, sanitary or general' working conditions, or insurance 
or- fire protection, than are Imposed by this Code. . 

4.. All employers shall post complete copies of this Code In conspicuous places' acc' - 
sible to iemployfees. 

5. No employee' now employed . at a rate- in exoess of the minimum shall be dis- 
charged' and re-employed at. a lower rate for the purpose of evading the provisions of 
this Code. 

Article VII— Ad mi i strati on 

1. - There shall, forthwith be constituted a Code Authority consisting of nine (0) persons' 
to be elected by the members of the Industry by a fair method . to . be approved by. the 
Administrator.-' 

2. ' In addition to membership as above provided, there may be three (3) embers, 
without vot6, to be appointed by the Administrator. 

3. In order that the Code Authority shall at all times be truly . representative fyt the 
Industry and in other -resrects comply, with the provisions of the' Act, the Administrator . 
may prescribe such hearings as he. may deem proper; and thereafter .If he shall find that 
the Code Authority ta not trtaly representative or do»»s not in dther respects comply with 
the -provisions Of the >Act, . may '• require an appropriate,, modification in the - method of 
selection of the Code Authority. -. - 1 

4. . As and when any question directly or indirectly affecting any class of employees 
engaged lh the Burlesque Theatrical industry is to he. considered- by the Code Author- 
ity, one representative of such class', appointed by the Administrator, shall sit .with and 
become for such purposes a member of the Code Authority with .a right' to vote, ; 
"5. If the Administrator shall determine that any action of {he'- Code Ailthorlty or any 
agency thereof Is unfair- or unjust' Or contrary to the public Interest,- the Administrator 
may require that such action be suspended for a period ot not . to exceed thirty (30) days 
to afford an opportunity fot investigation of the merits of Such action and. further con- 
sideration by such" Code Authority or agency pending final action 1 ; which snail be taken 
only upon approval by the Administrator. *. 

0. Members -of the industry shall be entitled to participate in and share the benefits 
of the activities of the Code Authority and to participate, in the selection of the mem- 
bers thereof by. assenting to and complying with the requirements of this Code arid 
.sustaining their reasonable share "of the expenses of its administration; Such reasonable 
share bf the expenses shall be determined by the Code Authority,- subject to review by 
the Administrator, on the. basis of volume of ..business and/dr such other factors as may 
be deemed equitable. ..;•': ■■''.., 

7. Nothing contained In this Code shall constitute the members of the Code Authority 
partnors for any purpose. Nor snail any .member of. the Code Authority be- liable' In 
any manner to anyone for any act of any other member, officer, agent or employee of 
the Code Authority. Nor shall any member of the Code Authority, exercising, reason- 
able diligence In the conduct of his duties hereunder, he liable to anyone for any 
action or omission to act under this Code, except for his own willful, misfeasance or non- 
feasance. 

8. The Code Authority shall have the following further powers, and duties, the. exer- 
cise of which shall be reported to the Administrator and shall be subject to his right fit 
review, set forth in Section- 5 hereof: ' . 

(a) To Insure the execution of the provisions of . this Code and provide for tho .com- 
pliance of the Industry with the provisions of the Act, under such rules and regulations 
as may be established by the Administrator. ' 

(b) To adopt By-Laws arid .Rules: and Regulations for Its procedure and for the ad-, 
ministration and enforcement Of the Code. ... . , 

(c) To obtain from the members of the Industry such information and reports as are 
required for the administration of the Code and to provide for submission by members 
of such information and reports as the Administrator may deem necessary for the pur- 
poses recited In Section 3 . (a) of the Act, which information and reports Shall be sub- 
mitted by members to such administrative and/or government agencies as the Adminis- 
trator may designate; provided that nothing in this Code shall- relieve any member of 
the Industry of any existing obligations to furnish reports to any government agency. 
No individual reports shall be disclosed to any other member of the Industry or any 
Other party except to suqh governmental agencies as may be directed by the- Adminis- 
trator. .- -. ' 

(d) To use such trade associations and- pther agencies as it deems- proper, for - the 
carrying out of any of its activities provided for herein, provided that nothing herein 
shall relieve the Code* Authority Of its duties or responsibilities under this Code and that 
such trade associations and agencies shall at all. times be subject to and comply with 
the provisions hereof. 

(e) TO make recornmendatlons to the Administrator for the coordination of the adifnln- 
lstratlon of this Code with. -such Other codes, if any, as may be. related, to the Industry. 
- (f) ' To secure from members of the. Industry an equitable , and proportionate payment 
of the reasonable expenses- of maintaining the Code Authority and its- activities. 

(g) .To cooperate with the Administrator in regulatng the use of any N: R. A.' insignia 
solely by those members of the Industry Who have assented to, and are complying with, 
this Code. '',-'. 

(h) To recommend ' to the Administrator further fair trade practice provisions to 
govern members, of the Industry in their' relations with each' other or. With other in- 
dustries and' to recommend to the Administrator measures for industrial planning, 
including stabilization of employment. . '. 

(1) Where the operations of the provisions of this Code Impose an unusual or undue 
hardship upon any producer or employer 3uch ■ producer . or employer may make 
application for relief to the Administrator or to his duly authorized agent, end. the 
Administrator or his agent may, after such public notice and hearing as. he. may deem 
necessary,, grant such exception to or modification of the provisions of this Code as he 
may- deem necessary to. effectuate the policy of the Nationa l Industrial Recovery Act. 

Article VIM— Trade Practices 
No. 1. No member of the Industry shall attempt ' to Induce, the breach .of .an existing 
contract, between a competitor and his. employee; nor shall any , such member Interfere 
with or obstruct the performance bf such -ontractiial duties' or services. .- 

No. 2. -No member of the Industry- shall join or participate With other members of 
the Industry- who with such member constitute a substantial number, bf the members 
of the Industry. Or who together control a- substantial per cent of the business, In any 
transaction known in law as a black list, including any practice or device (such as a 
. white list). Which accomplishes the purpose of a blabk list. 

No. 3.- No member of the Industry shall (a) lower the. admission prices publicly 
announced or advertised by his theatre by giving rebates, in. the form- of lotteries, 
prizes, reduced script books, coupons, throw-away tickets or by two-for-one admissions, 
or by other methods or devices of similar nature, which directly or Indirectly lower or 
tend to lower such announced admission prices and which are Unfair to competing 
employers, or which deceive the public. ' This provision shall not be deemed to prohibit 
members, of the Industry from ' reducing or increasing - their admission scales as they 
see fit, provided that such admission scales be publicly announced or advertised. 

4. Displaying the name "Burlesque" on any' theatre, hall, tent or other place of 
exhibition, shall be prima facie evidence that the employer bf the attraction is subject 
to this Code. 

^ • Article—! X— M odi.fication, _^_.._.i' 



Toronto, April 2. 

ISvelyn (Gather Ye Rosebuds) 
Cushway, alleged, stripper at the 
Empire burly-spot, was found not 
guilty of 'assisting. In an immoral 
performance' when an all f male 
audience, including nearly, every' 
lawyer in town not connected, with 
the case, jammed the police court, 
benches for the hearing and 
crowded out the humbler citizens. 

The case hinged on . the rosebuds; 
the Detroit dancer maintaining that 
she wore them and the chief wit- 
ness swearing that she didn't. As 
the witness was in the fourth "row ' 
of the _b£l'cony .arid Miss Cushway 
was. ^n - stage, . it wasT decided that 
the lady wore' rosebuds.- 

: ;In the "witness box, ',. Miss' Cush- 
Vvay was -the picture. -of ..innocence. 
•|Mr. R. C, Stprgeo^, iourf stenog- 
rapher,-, who . first took'' the stand, 
prepare^ his .shorthand notes of the 
pferforjnance. He said that he had 

a . Y-^.^^ft_-.^. a X..'.*PA- t^at Miss 
Cushway-^ -was wearing 'bloomers'. 
He was gently led, into, the defini- 
tion of - 'panties*. ' air; turgebn said 
that. Miss ' Cathway wore a thin-;, 
dress through. which ceuld be seen : 
her lingerie; You could have heard ' 
a pin ' drop, if you- had had a pin. 
Mr. Sturgeon said the. lady was do- 
ing 'a dance of the Bast'. He Said 
he had ;nevei: beeh to . a burlesque 
before, but, in his youth, Miss Gush- 
way's dance was known as the . 
•hootchy-kpotchy'. He added that 
(Continued oh page. 51) 



1. This Code and all the provisions thereof are expressly made subject to the right 
of the President, in accordance with the. provisions of subsection (b) of Section 10 of 
the National Industrial Recovery Act from time to time' to cancel or modify any order, 
approval, license, rule Or regulation issued under Title I of said Act. and Specifically 
to the right of the President to cancel or modify his approval of this Code or any 
conditions imposed by him upon his approval thereof. 

2. This Code, except as to provisions, required by the Act, may be modified on the 
basis of experience or changes; in circumstances; . such modification to be based, upon 
application to the Administrator and such notice, and hearing as he shall specify, and to 
become effective ori approval' by the Administrator. 

Article X— Monopoli , tc. 
No provision of this Code shall be so applied as to permit monopolies or monopolistic 
practices, or to eliminate, oppress or discriminate against small enterprises. 

Article XI — Effective Date 
This Code shall become effective on the second Monday after Its approval by the 
President. 



KERK WEST AS 
NBA ORGANIZER 



I. Hi Herk is in Chicago this .• 
week on some missionary work for 5 
the National Burlesque Association, 
bf which hie Is . president. 

Intention is to organize the 'man- 
agers ..there into to- middle western, . 
branch' of the national assoclatiom 
By the same token an effprt will , 
be made to cp'-ordipate a managers' 
association with a: closed shop ar- 
rangement for the actors, similar to \ 
that prevailing in New York be- i 
tween Burlesque Actors' Associa- 
tion and the NBA. 



Chicago, April 2.. 
Midwest burlesque managers Will 
meet in .town tomorrow (3)' on" a 
get-together, to wrartgle put sev- 
eral squawks which they claim they 
have ' against the New York and 
eastern burley operators. Guiding 
hand, in the meeting is Mayer Lantz 
of the Empress, Cincinnati. 

Nobody knows exactly what the 
squawks ar$ but they're coming to 
the meeting .to find out and also 
to broadcast, some of their own par- 
ticular pet yowls. Anyway, the 
midwest managers feel they haven't^ 
been done right by and they may 
organize their own group as op- 
posed to. the organization known as 
the National Burlesque Association, 
Which the mid westerners .plaim is 
under eastern domination/' 

The^ midwest burleyltes feel 
slighted that the ; newly formed 
Burlesque Artists Association ne- 
gotiated with the National Bur- 
lesque Ass'n without really consult- 
ing, the. midwest operators, They 
are also- perturbed about the art- 
ists* contract which they claim calls 
for one- week notice in the east and 
two Weeks in the west, plus rail- 
road fare. In short, it seems the 
midwest is sore because the bur- 
lesque guys £.nd artists in the east 
apparently tblhk the country ends 
just west, of Hie Hudson. 

Some 12. mi west burlesque the- 
atre operators will meet tomorrov 
to air their complaints and may- v 
settle: difficulties. 



Leavitt in Revival 



His partner, Ruth Lockwbod, un- 
able to work due to illness, Doug 
Levitt has Signed with the Shi»» 
berts to appear in 'Gypsy L<ove.' k 
revived musica' which has started 
rehearsals. 

Show is ffiheduied co open April 
9 In Boston. After two weeks in 
Philadelphia it will be brought inu. 
New York, 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



VARIETY 



51 




Bills 



NEXT WEEK (April 6) 
THIS WEEK (March 30) 

ith' bills below indicate 
Whether full or split week 




NEW ¥OBK CITY 
■ Jalaee (30) : 
Pe Guchl JAps 
Etta Moten 
.Lew Parker Co 

Bddie Garr „ • 

Donatella Bros & C 
Academy 
1st half (C-9) 
Etta Moten 
Charles. Melson 



DETROIT 
Downtown' (6)' 
4 Trojani 

Gillette &. Richards 
Dick & E Barstow 
•Roseoo : Ates. 
Paul Ganlts 

V. (30) .. 
Irene Vermillion 
3 Miller Bros 
Flfl D'OrBay 



East & Duroke . " 1 
Marguerite & LeR-. 
NEWARK 
Htnte (6) 
Mpnr'.e Vfe. Adams Sis 
. Butldy Doyle 
Harry Howard 
DeMay Moore & M- 
PROVIDENCE 
Lbew's ($) 
Bud Corlell & R 



Hudson -Wonders. 
Solly Ward Co 
Bob Hall 
VerhOn Ra.thb'rn Co 
WASHINGTON 
Vox (6) 

i' Daveys. 
Gordon. Reed & K 
Jimmy Durante ' 
Louise. Gay Rev 



Paramount 



MELISSA MASO"N 
Loew's State, New York 
ETONA SEDGWICK 
Paramount, New York 
PROF. LAMBERTI 
Albee, Brooklyn 



L 



By rEDDY & SMITH 



Lynn Bump Co 
(Two to fill) . 

2d half (I0rl2) 
Frank: Convllle 
Harry BurnB Co 
Roxy Ens 
<two to All) 

2d half (3-5) 
6 Cracker Jacks 
Ferry Corwey 
Frances Anils 
Stuart £ Lash 
Miles. & Kover Rev 
Audubon 
1st half (31-1) 
James Evans 
Howe Leonard & A 
3 XJttle Sacks 
Fred Lelghtner 
Rose's Midgets 

Crotona (o only) 
Marie & Pals 
Park Plaza (4 only) 
Marie & Pals 
BROOKLYN 
Albee (6) 
Betty Boop 
Clark & McCiillough 
Miles & Kover Rev 
(Two to fill) 

(30) 
Passing Show 
Madison 
1st half (31-3) 
Marie & Pals 
Gilbert Diaz 
Violet Carlsen 
Harry Savoy 
Rlmacs 

Prospect 
1st half (30-3) 
Ingenues 

Tllyou 
. 1st half (7-8 
Dancing Cocktails 
(Four to All) . 

1st half (31-1) 
Harvey Helen & H 
Harmony Aces 
Bill Telaak 
Carloclahs 

BOSTON 
Keith's (6) 
■SO Mlll'n Frenchmen 
(30) . 
•Sweet & Low' 
Clark & McCull'ugh 
CHICAGO 
, Palace .(fl). 
Honey Fam 
Pettet & Douglas 
Herb William* 
Frank Buck 
(One to. nil) 
.(30) 
Gary Ford Fam 
Sheila Barrett Co 
Johnny Burke 
Buddy Rogers Bd 
CLEVELAND 
Palace (6) 
Sally Rand Co 
(30) 

Connie's Hot Choco 
COLUMBUS 
Palace (6) 

Buddy Rogers Bd 



Benny Rubin 
Mai*|o : & La'zarln 
Elaine Arden 
Honey Fam.' '. 

HEMPSTEAD 
Rlvoll 

1st half (30-2) 
Harlem on Parade 

MINNEAPOLIS 
Orpheum (30) 
New Yorkers 

Proctor's (6) 



NEW YORK CITY 

- Paramount (6) 
ROxy and - Gang 
BROOKLYN 
Paramount (0) 
George Raft 
Mildred Bailey Co 
Jimmy Savo 
Edna Sedgwick 
Garcla's: Marimba O 
BOSTON 
Metropolitan (II) 
.F & M U 
Slate Bros 

BVEFALO 
Buffalo (6) 
Geo Olsen Bd 
Ethel fihutta 
CHICAGO 
Chicago (6) 
. Bebe Daniels. 
Ben' Ijyoh 
'3 Swifts 

(30) 

•Black Birds Rev' 
Chilton & Thomas 
Edith Wilson 
Eddie Hunter 



i ■ T r L ii r.« Kathryn Perry 
Swan & Lucille Co Murbro («\ 

Eddie White | jiiurpro. <») 



Buster Shaver Co 
Lewis- & Ames 
Long Tack Sani 
(30> 

Jerl Renne- & V 
Rodr™.- & Gould 
Betty Hoop 
Hunter & Perolval 
Reggie Childs Orch 
NEW BRUNSWICK 
Keith's 
1st half (31-2) 
CortelloB H Stirs 
Pope ;&. Thompson 
Rome & Gaut 
Christensens . 
PATERSON 
Keith's 
1st half .<6*-'9J 
Bonroe Bros' . 
Brooks & PhllBon 
Ferry Corwey, 
Frank ConviHe 



Milton Berlc Co 
Madle & Ray 
Nicholas Bros 

(30) 
Carlos Molina 



Sammy White 
Countess VonLosen 
Seaman Bros 
Dorothy- Crane 

Oriental 

Benny Rubin 
Elaine Arden 
Mario & Lazarin 

(30) 
Milton Berle , 
Aunt Jemima" 
Tpmmy Mack 
Eddie, Toung 
Lucky Boys . 
Jackie. Borene 
Leon Laverde 
Lois Nixori 
Ted Cook 
Alton -Girls 

Soutlitown . (3.0) 
Duncan Sl.s' .Rey 

DETROIT / 
Michigan (6) 

Aaren .& Broderlck 
J & E Torrence 
Clyde- Hager 

MINNEAPOLIS 
State (6) 
Lamb & Belllt 

TORONTO 
Imperial <6) 

Bottoms Up. 



EAST HAM 
Klnema 

lst half (2^4) 
Rlngle Bros & R 
4 White Flashes 
Eddie Hayes 

2d half (5-7) 
Cabaret 4 
Van Cleefs 
Ward & Albee 

Premier 
Flack & Lucas 
Stan Stafford 
Margie Clifton &. P 
EDO EW ARE RD. 

Grand. 
Hugh Ormond -. 
I'lNSIMIRY : PARK 

-- Empire 
E &;D Waters 
Max 'Miller 
Tommy Handley 
'.Clapham &. Dwyer- 
'Rose Perfect " 
Fay re 4 
Kirks . 

3 Emeralds 
D'Aniselle»& Boy 
Stetson 

HAMMERSMITH 
Palace 
Teddy Joyce 
Kit. Kat Bd 
JIOLBOKN 
■■. Empire 
Lew Stone Bd' 
Billy Bennett 

4 Bennos 
Tracy & Hay 
Hutch. 

Co as. booked 
HOLLOWAY 
Marlborough 

Rusty & Shine 
Sudley's Midgets 
ft & E My lea 
ILFORD 
.Super ' 
.Fla^k & ' Lucas - 
Stun Stafford 
M (11 If ton & Ptnr 
ISLINGTON 
Bine Hall 
1st, half (2-4.) 
Karlaon 4 
Shaw & Western 
2d half (6-7) 
Geo HuVd 
3 Musketeers 
KlLBURN 
Grange 
Hugh Ormond 
LE WISH AM 
Palace 
Alfredo • Orch 



LEYTON 

Savoy' - " 
Conrad's Pigeons 
Turner Twins 
Van Dusen 

NEW CROSS 
Klnema 
Thorn & Mack 
Bennett & McN 
Dancing Aces 
PECKHAM 
Palace, 
Thorn & Mack. 
Bennett. & MeN 
.Dancing' Aces. 

To^-er 
Keith Wilbur. 
Dudley Dale Gang 
4 Pau lottos 
SHEPH'RDS BUSH' 

Pavilion 
Cotton Bd 
STAMFORD HILL- 

Regent 
Rusty & Shine 
Dudley's Mldigets 
R & E Myles- . 
STRATFORD 
' Broadway ' 
Conrad's Pigeons 
Turner Twins' 
Van Dusen 

6TREATHAM 
Palace . 
Keith Wilburs 
Dudley- Dale. Gang 
4 Paulettes.v 

TOOTINC . 
, Granada 
Larry Kcmble 
Superb 8 
Val. Rosing' 
Co as booked 
TOTTENHAM' 
Palace ; . 
Anita Chas & Al vis 
M.ona Vivian 
van & Ray 
W ATVTH A M STOW 

Granada. 
Peel & Curtis 
Co' as- booked. 
WEST HAM 

Klnema ' 
1st half (2-4) 
Cabaret 4 
Van Cleefs 
Ward & Albee 

2d half (C-7) 
Rlngle Bros & R 
4 White Flashes 
Eddie Hayes 
WOOD GREEN 
Palace 
Plano : Symphony 



Provincial 



Week of April 2 



Warner 



. ELIZABETH 
Rltz 

1st half (7-.10) 
A Robins 
(Four to All) . 
1st half (31-3) 
| Robbins 3 
Nash & Fately 
I Brems Fltz. Co 
| Stan Kavanaugh 
2d hnlf (4-6) 



Rogers- & Wynn 
Lee & Raiterty Rev 1 Hollywood Maniacs 
2d halt (10-12) | Owen McGlveney 



De Guchl Japs 
Jerome & Ryan 
Welst & Stanton 
I & N Stevens' 
Ann Prltchard' Co 

2d ■ half (3-B) 
Waiman'B Saxonets 
•2 Daveys 
Angus & . Searle 
3 Slate Bros 
May Wlrth Co 
. ROCHESTER 

Keith's (6) 
Jack Sydney Co«> 
Gilbert Diaz 
(Two to nil) 
(30) 
Monroe Bros 
Boloe & Marsh 
Roxy Ens 
Mr & Mrs Crawford 
TRENTON 
Capitol 

2d half (10-12) 
Etta Motten 
(Two to- All) 

1st half (30-2) 
DeMay Moore & M 
Harrison & Elmo 
J & J McKenna 
Peplto 

2d half (3-5) 
N & E Perez 
Ross & Bennett 
Eton Boys' 
Dodge Bros Rev 



(Two to come) 
PHILADELPHIA 
Earle (6) ,' 
I Crazy Quilt Rev 



(30) 

Mattlson Rhythms 
Keller Sle & L 
Joe Penner . 
Willie West & McG 

WASHINGTON 

Earle (6) 

Mattlson. Rhythms 
DuPorits 
BUI Aronson 
Ozzle Nelson Orch 

(30) 

Carlton Emmy 
Coots & Sibley 
Chas. Melson 
Gine DeQulncey & L 



BIRMINGHAM 
Hippodrome 

Debroy Somers Bd 
Tex McLeod . - . 
Renee & Godfrey- 
.4 Jokers 
Jack Barty 
Holls Bros. 

BRIGHTON 
■ Hippodrome 
E Carlisle & Brown 
Jack ©aly 
Harold Boyd Co 
Wright & Marlon 
Anona Winn 



NEWCASTLE 
Empire 

Brookln's & Van ' 
Randolph Sutton 
M Hagan & Ptnr 
Murray & Mooney 
Billy Danvers 
Raymond Smith 
Fox & Evans 
Hirukawa Trio' 
The Buckleys etc 
SOUTHAMPTON 
Hippodrome 
Layton & Johnstone I' Nat '. Harris- Ore 



Louise Sterling 
Joe Capella <& Oroli 
Kings Terrace 

13ddie Jackson 
^ld a'omacl? 
Rlch'dsort Ore 

•Leon « Eddie's 

Chas Drew Bd 
Ron Perry Orch 
Malsdn Royale 
..Antobal Cubans 
Marlborou House 

Vivian Vance 
Michael Zarln rc 
Muyfalr Yacht Club 

Walker 6'Nelil Oro 
Dwlglvt. Fifike 
"Dolores Adams 

Madison 

Jolly Coburn'e rc 

Mori's Rest 
Eddie Pavle. Ore 
Moulin Rouge, 'lm 
Larry SlcMahori 
Connie. Lartg . 
Eleanore' Gardner 
Frank Morey 
Martin Trlnt Orch 
Old. Roumanian 
B Thomashpfsky 
Reglna Zuchenberg 
Ethel Bennet 
Jack Silverman 
Charles'' Orb 
Jim Joseph's Ore 

Palais Royal 

& Ambassadore 
Edna Scdg"wick 
Peggy Strickland 
Tjoomls Sis ' 
Leah Ray . 
Nltza Vernllle 
I ha • Ray 
Jerry Cooper 
Machll & LaValle 
Phil Harris Ore 
Val OJman Ore 
Paradise 

NTG 

J Johnson -Ore 
Felicia Sorel 
Ann Lee Patterson 
Needa . KJnkaid 
Bruno & Manoh 
Earl. Jack. & B 
Johnny Hale 
Tva Stewart 
Buck & Bubbles 
TesB Gardell 

Park Central HoiVl 

Ozzle Nelson Ore. 
Harriett Hllllard 
Adafr & Richards 

Petit Palais 
DImltrl & Virgil 
Gordon Keith 
Jpe Lynne 
Jolly Coburn's Ore 

Place. Plqnale 

Darlo Sc. Diane 
Marlon Chase 
H Rosenthal Ore 
Plaza Hotel 
Granville Walker Or 
Restaurant La Roe 
Arthur Warren's O 
Rltz Tower 



Samovar 

Mmc. Nlcoilna 
Radhcff 

Simon Phll'lpoff 
Mon'negro & Dorita 
P Ham's Gypsy Bd 

Savoj-Plara 
Freddie Jlartin Ore 

Kennel's Pub 
Gertrude Moody 
Joe Sullivan' 
I*at Whalep 
Frank ,& Francis 

Simplon Club 

Frances Langford 
King's Jesters 
Wiii Farmer Ore 
Slierrsi'e. 

Harry Bush Ore 
Mario & Flarlo 
St." Morlts • Hotel 



ROGERS WEB 
UNIT 100% LOEW 



Having prevlousjy: booked Harry 
Rogers' 'Spices' of 1934' for 
seven weeks, fit ?4, 500, 
day (Monday) 

for six additional weeks, which 
gives the show the' entire Loew 
. „ Rolfl , eo orch i time. It's the first, of the Chicago 
v"rM?ite*" • units to-be routed on a 100%. basis 

Gypsy Nina | by any of the major circuits. 

Show started its Lbew time., 
week in Baltimore and currently 
playing the Valencia, Jamiaca. 
Count Bemivicl's girl band and Joe 
Besser 'are featured. 



BAA DEPUTY FINED 



Makes 



a. Rumpus in 
Taken to Court 



Verc.ell: Sis 
Regis 
Vincent Lopez Ore 
Minor & Root 
urf Club 

jack Myers Ore 
Charlotte Murrle 

Taft Grill 

Qeo Hall Orrh 
Tavern, B'klyo 

Jack Murray Ore 
Tic T«e Club 
Gypsy Nina 
Billy Castle 
Genev Tie 

Tuscany' Hotel. 
Bela Loblov Ore 
Vanderbllt Hotel 

Joe Moss Orch 
Ward & Hopkins 
Village Barn 

Scherr Bros 
Paul Tvemalne Bd 
lOddle PiMtohard 
Josh Medders . 
Rtit h Dclmir 
,Le« 2 

Geo. McGuIre • 
Village Nut Clul 

Cliff Clifton Rev 
Nutny Fagan 
Zlra I-ee 
Lila Gaines 
LI la Lou 
Allyn Reece 
Henry Lawes _ 

Milt tt sprefm?n 0 Orc n | such! it is alleged TOomey struck 
•Waldorf- Astoria her in the facey According to 
Maurice Cordoba Nickel he was escorted upstairs to 
Sen the theatre lobby and out, but 

x. Cugat Ore Toomey assert*: he was thrown 

B. Madriguera Ore through the beveled glass doors by 
Wash 8q. Club | two bouncers and a bartender. 

In retaliation, Toomey admittedly, 
hurled a sidewalk 'no parking' sign 



Co as booked 



Baltimore, April 2. 
■William Toomey, second comic in 
'Ballyhoo Scandals', burley troupe 
at the Gayety last week, was fined 
$26.45 for malicious '.destruction of 
property, similar sum destroy- 
ing a parking sign, and $6.45 for 
disorderly conduct; in a ttiagls- 
trate's court last Wed. (28>. 

According to Hon Nickel, Gayety. 
owner, Toomey, BAA deputy for 
the 'Ballyhoo' outfit, entered the 
cabaret that is spotted beneath the 
theatre, at 3 a. m. to investigate a 
report some of the ^^1^00' line 
girls were doubling into the cab<- 
aret's floor show. Discovering one 



Frank Farrell . Orch | 
Weylln Hotel 



M1C w e «L?°rr»i ° rC through another door, claiming his 



Wivel Cafe 

Amy Atkinsan 
Jack Wick 
Lillian Lorraine 
Ami Pavo 



A COP: 



Cabarets 



NEW YOKE CITY 



Fanchon & Marco 



NEW. YORK CITY 
Roxy (6) 

Wesley Eddy 
BUlie Joy 
J & J McKenna 
Arnaut Bros 
kelson's Elephants 
DENVER,- COLO. 

Orpheum (6) 
Paul Remoa Tr 
Fay Courteney 
Movak & Fay 
Sunklst Ens 
(30) 
El Brendcl 
Vanderbullt Boys. 
Harger & Eleanor 
LONG BEACH 
State (31) 
Mills Bros 

LOS ANGELES 
.Paramount (5) 
Mills Bros 
Jeanne D'evereaux 
Jay Mills Co 
JCltaros 
Sunklst Ens 



(39) 

Duke Ellington Bd 
PHII^ADELPHIA 
Fox (0) 

Tito Gulzar 
Plcchlanl Tr 

Gine DeQulncey & L I ;«adam Georgette 
Marty May I Mme Tvette 

SAN FRANCISCO ieon Bed or. > 

Warfleld (6) 
Cass Mack & Owen 
3 Arlstocrates 



Algonquin . Hotel 

Cookie F'rchlld Ore 
Jack .'King 
Ambassador otel 
Pancho's Orch 
Barney's 
Bal Musette 
Millard & Anita . 
George Marclial 
Pierrots' 



Diinnegan Co 
Sunklst Ens 
(30) 

Gene Austin 
Evelyn Brent 
Harry Fox 
X> & A Elmer 
Sunklst Ens. 

Orpheum (0) 
Paul Remos Tr 
Fay Courteney 
Noval & Fay 
Sunklst Ens 
(31) 

Ted Lewis Bd 



OFFICIAL DENTIST TO THE N. V; A. 

DR. JULIAN SIEGEL 

PARAMOUNT BUILDING 
Thl» eek: Kohler Sisters; Derotby MeNulty 



Loew 



NEW YORK CITY 
Capitol (6) 

Strauss Ens 
Paul Whlteman Ore 
Ramena 
,Rhythm Boys 

Boulevard 

1st halt (6-9). 
* FatlnoB 
B. Ralston Co • 
Solomon Small 
Cllllord & Marian 
Renoft, Renova Co 

2d half (10-12) 
Joe St Onge Co 
Peggy Calvert 
Carlton & Ballew 
Senator Murphy 
Rolsman'B Co 
Orpiienm 

1st half (6-9) 
Janet May 
Oene Marvey Co 
=^H5Wfit.--& : r J P.er.clyaU ; 
* Frances Arms 
Roisnian's Co 

2d half (10-12) 
4 Patlnos . " 
Margot & .L Robbln 
Talent & Merit 
Jans & Whalen 
Mazis'ne & Kecne Co 
' Paradise (0) 
Spices of .1934 
. State (0) 
3 Bonos 

George Prentice 
Sophie T'ucuer 
«"han Foy Co 
'Iracella & Theod're 



BROOKLYN 
* Gates Ave 
1st half (6-9) 
Arthur. LaFleur ' Co I Sllhouttes 



CHICAGO 
State Lake: (80) 
Paul Ash 
Jackie Heller 
Tony Cabooch 
Seed & Austin 
Jack Starnes 
3 Lordens. 
Walter & Walter 
DETROIT 
Fisher (30) 



C & L Gerard 
Lewis & Moore 
Senator Murphy 
Pllcer & Douglas 
. 2d half (10-12) 
Janot May 
T & B WbnderB 
Mike Ames. 
Fred Ardath Co 
Renoff Renova Co. 

Metropolitan (6) 
Harrison & Fisher 
Melissa Mason .< 
Slngln' Sam 
Stuart & Lash 

Valencia (6) 
Thurston 

-BALTIMORE 
Century (6) 

Jean Sargent 
Lamhertl 
Sid Ma rlori 
Phil Spitalny. roll 
BOSTON 
Orpheum (6) 
Murray & Moss 
Esmond & Grant 
Dave Jones Co 
Joe Phillips Co. 
(T'wo to fill) • 
JERSEY CITY 
Loew's (8) 
Dick Hlmber Orch 
3 X Sis 
James Walllngtoh 



Thelma Bow 
Von Boys 
Carl Rupp 
Billy Monroe 
Kentucky Jack 
Bennett Sis 
Pet Dennis 
4 Bachelors . 
Ramon & Ruth 



Dave Tannen 
HOLLYWOOD 
Chinese (Indef) 
Gambarelll 
Jack Powell 
Cookie Bowers 
LOS ANGELES 
Orpheum, (21) 
Hal Grayson Bd 
Lee Port & Dotty 
Jimmy Baxter 
Rose M Carter 
Pablo 

joe" AVUIIams 
Million Dollar (22) 
White & Stanley 

ST; LOUIS 
. Ambassador (30) 
Amos 'n' Andy 
Hollywood 4 , 
Whltey Roberts Co 




Week of April 2 



Canterbury M. H. 

1st half (2-4) 

G Co Hu rd j 

3 Miiske'ters 

2d half (6-7) 
Karlson 4 
Hliaw & Eastern 

Dominion 
Cotton. Bd 

Kit Knt Rest 
Bradley s Ladles 
Rugger 4 

New Victoria 
Emelle Hodke- 
John Myrddln- 
Palludiuni. 
ITarry Roy Bd 
Will Hay Co 
Hen Blue Co 



Miller & Wilson 
Naltto Tr 
p'Gorman Bros 
"Co^^R^b'cToTs'ed"^ 

Trocadero 
Western Bros 
Fred Dilprcz 
Paddy Drew 
Elizabeth 
Maurice 

CLAPHAM 
Majestic 
Emelle Hooke 
John Myrddln 

CLAPTON 
Rink 
Anlfa Chas & 
M?jna ; Vivian' 
Van & Ray 



A pache Ore 

Beaux Arts 
Luclen La Riviere 
Thomara Dorlva 
Clara Larlnova 
Inez La Vail 
Clothlel Berryessa 
Norman Astwood 
SI 1 tan & Marl' 
Maurice Shaw Orch 
Lopez'B Hawilane 

Ulltmore Hotel 

Paul Whlteman Or 
Jack Fulton 
Robt. Lawrence 
Roy Bargy 
Peggy Healy 
Floria Armstrong 
Ramona 
Rhythm Boye 
..Casino de PSJfee 
Frances Willi. 
Jimmy Savo 
Saxon Sis 
Holland & June 
Eleanor Powell 
Cardinl 

Hlnda Wassail 
Don Redman Ore 
Ben Pollock Orch 
Casino Town Club 
Nan Blakston 
Breez Fletcher 
Allan Cales Ore 
Central P'k Casino 
Eddy Duchln Ore 
Frances Maddux 
fiddle Garr 

Chapeau Rouge 

Peppy de Aibrew 
De Mar.c.ois 
Marian Davie 
Galll-Gallt 
Godoy's Tango Bd 
Dick Gasparre's Or 

Club Kentucky 

Joan Miller 
Frankle Hiers 
Vivian. C.'armody 
Honey Burns 
B'way Jones Ore 
Club New Yorker 
Jack Rces Ore 

lch7HSn= 

Jack Mb Son Rev 
Lido G|rls Ore 

Commodore. Hotel 

Iflhum Johen Ore 
Isabel Brown 

Cotton. Club 

C. C, Rev 

Jimmy Lunceford O 

Croydon 
Charles Eckels Ore 
Dclntonico'* 

Al B White 
Fran'-es I.Tunt . 



Dorothy, Van Alst 
Blanche. & Elliott. 
N Morton & Boys. 
Springtime Revels 
Joe Venu.ti & Orch 

Dubonnet 

Max Fisher 
Wm, Frelbel 
Joe Fejer Ore 
I Cliico 

Tan co £- Lorca 
Las AJedas . 
Adellna T>uran 
Orlando Rlcarde 
A. B.C. 3 
Pilar Areas 

El Morocco 
Jos. C. Smith Orch 
Menendez Ore 

Essex Douse 

Glenn Gray Ore 
Golden Snail 
(L'Escargot D'Or) 
Marie 

Louis Rabetand 
Gov. Clinton HoteJ 
Enoch Light Or< 
Ha-Ha Club 

Danny Healy 
Jack White 
Jerry Bergan 
Lillian Fitzgerald 
Roth-Andrews Orch 

H'lyw'iT Hestabrrinf 
RUdy Val lee Orch 
Eddie Peabody 
Moore & Revel 
Beauval & Tona 
Mickey Brantz 
Iris Adrian 
Mathea Merryfleld 
Marlon Martin 
Drucllla Strain , 
Gene Marvey 
Jerry Lester 

Hotel Dixie 
Art Kahh Ore 

Hotel Edison 
Raglnsky Ens 

' Hotel Gotham .. 
.P Van Steeden Ore 

Hotel cAlpin 
Sam Robbins Ore 
notel Montclaii 
Harold Stern Ore 
Mario & Floria 

Hotel New Yorker 
Charlie Davis" Ore 
Hausten. &. Harden 
I^eata Lane 
Ruby Wright 

Hotel Pennsylvania 

Don Bcstor pre 
; Flor-en<seW: a se 
Nell Buckley 
liaron & Blair 

Holel Pierre 

Jack D<-hny Ore 
Hotel ooseveit 
Rublnoff Ore 

ellyrB , 

Jeatino M'-Cnuley 
HlKKens & Yarndl. 
Evelyn Thawl 
(Jlory Fortuno 
III la Rebuild 
De L»iiC2ss Boys 
"Claire Osgood 



Russian Kretchunn 

Kuznetzoff & N 

CHICAGO 

Bismart'k Hote» Yvonne Nova 
(Walnut Room) 

Dick Cunliffe 
Parker Glbbs 
Elmo Tanner ■ 
Red Ingle' - 
led Weems Orcb 
Blackhawb 



act a self-defense measure, 
broke up the party. 
Ami *-avo Toomey spent a day in the loclc^ 

Maidie a -D°u Fresne I up, claiming no funds, but later 
La Salle . Oreb | pald and Je ft town. 



Earl Rlckard 
Hal Kemp Orcb 
'Skinnay' • EnnlB 
Cafe deAlea 
Wade Booth 
Imperial. 3 
Lenore Lynn 
Marian Garner 
Earl Hoffman Orch 

Chez Paree 

Sheila Barrett 
Deermg Davis 
Louise Brooks 
Freddie Bernard 
Martha Raye 
Barbara Blaine 
Miss Harriett 
Henry Busse Ore. 

Club Leisure 

Luclo Garcia 
Billy - Meagher 
Joe Mannl's Orcb 
Betty Chase 
Jack Sexton Jr 
■Sugar' Harold!? Or. 

Club La Masque 

Johnny Mangum 
George Oliver 
Billy Richards. 
Jean LaMarr 
Edna Leonard 
.Eddie Morton 
Al Garbcll 

----- - Club Royale 

Lee Morse. 
Billy Gray 
Wynne Wayne 
Molly' Sun' 
Al'x'nd'r & Sw'ns'n 
Joan . Andrews 
Fritz Miller Ore 
College Inn 
8 Evans Co-eds 
Jimmy Mattern. 
Beuvell & -Tova 
Frankle Masters Or 

Congress Hotej, 
(Joe Urban Room) 
Art Kassel 
Robert Royce . . 
Cherle & iomosite 

: CoioBlmo's 

Julia Lyons 1 
Dorothy Henry 
Deronda & Barry 
Knrlco D?Alba 
Eddlo Deerlng 
.Cdunteas Bo'rleka 
Slgnor Barsonl 
Art Buckley 
Bob Tlnsley Ore 

Club Alnbanv 

Pliyllss Herry 
Patsy McNalr- 
Gloria Starr 
Eddie Roth pre 

Drake Hotel 

Rlavie^Bal let ~"t->-^ 
Stanley -HIckmaD 
Bllrmore .3 
Fsnnces Wilier 
Harriet Llridgrcn 
Ruth Lee 
The Crusaders 
Earl, Burtnett Ore 

Edgewater Beaeh 

Esther Todd 
DeRonda & Barry 
Art Carroll 
Ilarry Sosnlk Or<-h 

Hl-llat Club 

Munny Gaer 



Rick & Snyder 
Virla Vaughn 
R-9 Club 

Billy Brannon 
Half-Pint Jason 
Ed Casey Ore 
Leon La Verde 
Earl Partello 
George Oliver 
Maronl's 
Rolando & Verdttta 
Owen Gordon . ' 
Neecee Shannon 
Marge & Marie 
Virginia Buchanan 
Bob Wyatt 
Maurle Moret Orcb 

Club Minuet 
Adelina Dossena 
Sylvia Lee 
Harry Mack 
Harry Moon 
Phyllis; Noble 
Irudy Davidson 
Frank Sheru.ab 

Mural Room 
(Brevoort Hotel) 

Earl Estes 
Edgar Rice 
Stan Rlttoff Orch 
Jaros Sis 

"Opera Club" 

Edwlna Mershon 
Lawrence Salerno 
■Tom Gentry Orcb 
Jose Rlvas Orcb 
Pierce & Harris 

Palmer House 

Lydla & Jorcsco 
Roth &- Shay 
3 Swift's 
Gale Page 
Stanley Morner 
Abbott. Girls 
Richard Cole Orcb 

Paramount 

Phil White 
Julia Gcrlty 
Son y a- Raye 
3 Lewis Sle 
Pearl Trio- 
Rolnbo Gardenf* 

B11J Aronson 
Shannon Sisters 
Lafayette &L' Verne 
Countess E v Losen 
Keller &. Field 
GayJene Sisters 
Dorothy Thomas 
Jules Stein Ore 
Samovar 

Karyl ' Norman 
L'-on Lavarde- 
I>awn Sis'. 
I.yJe Smith Orch 
A'll(;e Ry'dner 

Terrace Garden* 
Romo Vincent * 
Alnslcy Lambert K 
Clyde Lucas Ore 
Via l-ago 

TToW^rSHalH^— 
Crane Russell 'Ji ■ h 
Zlta & Marcelle 
Jack Housb 
Wanda Kay ' 
Al Handler Bd 
226 Club 
B.B.B. 

Henry Berman 
Marie & Elliot 
Ruby Abbott 
Madeline' Thomas 
Dun l'Vrnnrvdo Oro 
Uotty Myers 
I-Jille Bijriorr 



Dancer Cleared 



(Continued from page 50) 
Miss Cushway lowered her 
artd exposed one breast. 

Miss Cushway then stated that 
•a brassiere, of transpat-ent net, 
decorated with rosebuds', had cov- 
ered the upper part of her body 
at iall times. As a matter of fact, 
the transparent netting had been 
of double thickness. Mr. Sturgeon 
stated that the 15-girl line wore 
bloomers. He . was reprimanded. 

Leslie Hudson, unemployed, tes- 
tified for the city. He also admit- 
ted that he had never seen a bur- 
lesque performance before.. He 
said that Miss Cushway lowered 
her shoulder straps 'to some ex- 
tent', but he was sitting in the 
fourth row balcony. He admitted 
that he had not been 'shocked out 
of the theatre,' and had stayed to. 
the last. 

Police officers maintained that^ 
they had seen nothing 'immoral, 
suggestive or indecent,' Mrs. M. 
Robertson, police matron, admitted 
she rtiad S66fl tm r ^hw and there 
was nothing to warrant Miss Cush- 
way's arrest.. 

Rube Bernsteini manager of the 
company, was fined .$50- or two 
months in Jail. He paid the fine; 
Sani Book, accused of selling ob- 
scene literature in the theatre, was 
fined $100 or three months , in Jail. 
He paid the fine. Bozo Snyder was 
absolved because his act Is In pan- 
tomime. Business is terrible and 
the show 1 will likely close. 



Calmer on Stuff s 



(Continued from page 6) 
selves are blamed for countenancing 
sniffing with the view that another 
season's contract is to be signed 
and the psychology of 'better let 
him get away with it so that we can 
'g T ot^iin^a T gsiTn , " r ~"~ " T r- . -^- r -^ =^ 

Bubble, breakers of the 10%- can- 
cellation war further declare that 
only about '140 exhibitors in the 
country could avail themselves of 
the NRA privilf'go. These are esti- 
mated to be the exhlbs who are not 
guilty of slufflng, a 'crime' which 
the code says, invalidates the own- 
er's, right to use the eraser in his 
booking phc:Pt ethically. 



52 



VARIETY 



EDITORIAL 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 




Inside Stuff— Pictures 



Inside Stint— Legit 



Trade Mark Registered 
FOtFNDED BY 8IMB SILVERMAN 
Fablbhed Weekly by fABIBT*. Inc. 

Sid Silverman. President 
IS 4 West 46tb Street New Tor* City 

SUBSCRIPTION 
Annual. ... $6 Foreign M 
Single Copies . .y .v. ...... Cent* 



tot 114 




No. 3 



15 YEARS AGO 

{From VARiErrt and Clipper) 

W. W. Hodkinson drew headlines 
lor the announcement that all his 
pics would be sold individually and 
on their merits. . 

General Film Co,, original dis- 
tribution trust, Anally kicked the 
bucket. 



Independent Theatre Owners of Southern California states It expects 
to prefer charges against Metro and Foxiest Coast tomorrow (Tues- 
day) with proper NRA officials. 

Will charge violations of fair trade practices, discrimination and 
underhand tactics. Basis of charge is that Metro has commercialized 
previews of 'Viva Villa', in previewing the Mexican epic In four Fox- 
•W. C. nabe houses within a period of five days,. Not regarded as an 
honest effort to obtain audience reaction. 

Charges will be perfected by counsel for ITOSC tomorrow morning 
and then slipped into the nest of the Thunder Bird. 

Previews were given at Fox-Wllshire 24th, itz 26th, Uptown 27th, 
and Golden Gate 28th. 

All of these are circuit houses and in each instance there were two 
other features on the bill. Indies are. ablaze over the matter and it is 
announced that if prompt action is not taken by NRA through We local 
grievance board the matter will And its way into the Federal court. 

Attempts of several indies to obtain similar preview privilege from 
Metro met with prompt and emphatic refusal. This is the first open 
step here in the fight against triple billing, which has reached large 
proportions here in the past, few weeks. 



Report of the three observers— Clayton Hamilton, Walter Prlchard 
Eaton and Austin Strong— will be tendered to the Pulitzer Prize Com- 
mittee at Columbia University this week. With half a dozen plays 
rated candidates for the award by the critics, 'Mary of Scotland' is be- 
lieved to be in the lead, because of Eaton's rave over the show when 
it opened in Washington. 

However, the recommendation of the trio is not necessarily followed, 
Committee over-rode the opinion of its observers on at least one occa- 
sion. They recommended. 'The Show-Off' in 1924, but the committee 
gave the prize to 'Hellbent for Heaven,' written by Hatcher Hughes, a 
Columbia professor. 



Marlon Davies hopped from Select 
to Paramount.. 



Catholic church In the Bronx gave 
pics in its 3,000-seat auditorium. 
Hailed as first of a chain,, but it] 
wasn't. 



Because of the way in which it is hooked into Allied Owners Corp., 
Paramount is sitting in on hearings in connection with the Allied bank- 
ruptcy, notably those at which officials of that company are under 
examination. But attorneys for the Par trustees, assigned to be on hand, 
are not taking any part in the conduct of examinations. This function 
is up to the trustees of Allied itself whose attorneys, Goldwater & Flynn. 
are in charge of questioning. 

Allied is a large creditor of Pafc Company built seven theatres for 
-Publlx, - including the Paramount, Brooklyn,, and three others which Are- 
under long term lease to Loew's, i.e., the Kings and Pitkin, Brooklyn, 
and the Valencia, Jamaica. These are the houses, at a monthly rental 
of $56,000, oh which Loew's has paid no rent since last June (1933). 



Upon withdrawing 'Races,' the Nazi drama, after two weeks in Phila- 
delphia, Theatre Guild announced that while the play will not open on 
Broadway this week, as slated, it has been put on next . season's produc- 
tion, schedule. However, some, think it is doubtful of presentation at 
that time. 

Although it was conceded that 'Races' was something of a propaganda , 
play, Guild directors figured the play's romance would be paramount 
and the Nazi angle merely background. But when performed the ro- 
mance of the story proved secondary. Cast is also disappointed because, 
with- the two Phlliy weeks an engagement of not less than seven weeks 
was anticipated. 

Guild has substituted 'Jigg Saw' to complete its subscription season. 



Bookers having trouble getting 
American acts to go to London. 
Meant a double income tax and pay 
here before sailing. 



Ray Goetz^ and. Irving Berlin 
forming a Song Writers' Protective 
Assn. 



Bill Pine, Paramount exploiteer» got the . shock of his life when he 
stepped off the Chief at Pasadena the other day and saw a flock of cops 
With sawed-off shotguns pointed in the direction of the vestibule steps 
of his Pullman. Then he heard some woman shout, 'They've got Dlll- 
inger on the train.* 

Suddenly Bill remembered that he was carrying .a package of royal 
Russian crown jewels, which were to be worn by Marlene Dietrich in 
photographs, and possibly the cops were on hand to welcome him. Such 
proved to be -the ca.Be for the publicity department had an armored bank 
car there to fake the jewels' to the vault and figured good photographic 
publicity with the coppers on hand. 



Pasadena Community Players grossed around 4145,000 from June, 1932, 
to June, 1933. This sum inolUdes money derived, from the little theatre's: 
school and the tea room. 

The Playhouse is now one of the richest, if not the richest, little the- 
atres in the 'country, haying a yearly gross that is above that of many 
commercial theatres. Chief expenses paid out of the $146,000 are $400 
per month to Gllmore Brown, the director, and 10% of the gross for 
rent. Actors are not paid and few of the regular staff get. salaries. 

House has been 1 the target of complaints by Los Angeles and Holly* 
wood legit theatres, which claim it is unfair competition under the code. 



George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart are back, from Palm Springs, Cal. 
They went , to the desert resort to work on a straight play without inr 
terference and to dodge New York's toughest winter. Upon Its com- 
pletion they Immediately entrained,; passing up Hollywood except for 
the three days spent there when they went west. 

Hart will now collaborate . with Irving Berlin on a revue which is 
aimed for the Music Box in November or the next Christmas holidays, 
should 'As Thousands Cheer' have completed its: run. Kaufman's next 
playwrightirtg will be a farce in collaboration with Morrle Ryskind. 
Sam H. Harris has an option on all three shows. 



New Barnum-Ringling combo . do- 
ing, so well at the Garden. It was 
looking for two" more weeks, but 
other bookings prevented. 



Vawbtt announced ^William A. 
r Brady is reported having discovered 
a dramatic, find in Katharine Cor- 
nell,, who has "been attracting atten. 
tion on the road in the No. 2 com 
pahy of the The Man Who Came 
Back'.' 



Censorship fight is . presenting many angles, admittedly delicate, to 
major strategists.- When shearing in a state which has an active board I 
is being attacked producers welcome an outside group or organization' 
carrying the flag. Reason behind this is apparent, If the fight is lost] 
then the industry can- remain, in the good graces of the censor board] 
and continue the position that it is not but to make cutters jobless. 
This was true in the recent fight in Albany, it being claimed afterwards ] 
that the Hays Organization officially had no part In the fray, that al- 
though representatives were present at the time they were there in] 
unofficial capacity. 



Sam H. Harris, who arrived in New York after a four-month stay on 
the coast, affirmed the collapse of a gold mining venture in which he, 
the Marx brothers, D. Walter Haggerty,, Irving Berlin and others were 
interested; Loss is estimated at around $io0,000, and whether reclaim- 
able was not stated. 

Superstructure was erected and on the eye of starting operations the 
plant' went up in flames.'*. 



Equity had a new Chicago con- 
tract which, permitted; layoffs only 
when caused by an act of God, 
Prior reader had causes which 
could hot reasonably have been 
foreseen; 



Sunday picture shows legalized in 
N. Y. State. Had to stay shut until 
1p.m. 



Decision still delayed as to whether and what shall be paid out of the 
Paramount coffers,, to Adolph Zukor, Charles D. Hllles, attorneys, and 
others for the- duration of the Equity receivership in Par, which pre- 
ceded bankruptcy by about two months. Justice Woolsey, senior U. S. 
district judge, has had all the papers now for about two months but 
has issued no word. 

Work for which fees are due was performed in February and March 
of '33. Zukor got an advance of $4,502 from subsidiaries, against his 
final bill, so is in that much anyway. 



Regardless of the run. possibilities of 'Dodsworth' at the Shubert, 
N. Y., the new dramatic hit will either lay off during August or play 
without Walter Huston. Latter will go to Denver at that time to appear 
in 'Othello' at the Central City opera house, located in the former min- 
ing camp nearby. 

Huston's contract with Max Gordon stipulates the month off for the 
Central City event. 



50 YEARS AGO 

(From Clipper) 



George Raft was high lighted by New York's tabloids last week when 
action was started by his wife to raise her separation allowance. It 
was not generally known along Broadway that he was married. 

Raft first attracted attention in New York night spots as a Charles- 
ton dancer, but his first taste of Broadway was as an usher at the Capi- 
tol in 1921. He married Grace Mulrooney in 1923, but they separated 
in 1928. 



Tickets for 'Parsifal' at the Metropolitan, New York, Friday afternoon 
(30) were $7 top and the demand was so strong that good locations 
brought $26 per pair. . 

Legit code and limited agency premium do: not Include grand opera. 
No admission tax applies to the Met, government rating performances 
as educational, but that does not apply to pop grand opera. 



Jed Harris suddenly decided he didn't want to sail on. the Olymplo 
Thursday (29). When he learned that among the show bunch' on the 
list were Max Gordon and Lee Shubert, he said: 

'Think I want to listen to Gordon talk about his four shows on Broad- 
way? I'm sailing Tuesday (3) instead.' 



Ball season opened in New York 
with Clipper abjuring the manage 
ment to preserve order for the sake 
of the femme patrons. 



Clipper not sure it liked the new 
idea of relays of endmen. Just part 
of the striving for some novelty in 
minstrel first parts; 



John B. Doris announced he would 
not follow the usual plan of renting 
concessions on his circus coming 
season. Handled everything him- 
self; 



Forepaugh announced the usual 
torchlight parade In advance of the 
opening of his circus in Philadel- 
phia. Considered necessary then. 
Barnum skipped a . performance 
when it rained the night of the pa- 
rade in N. Y. 



Samuel Goldwyn's corresponding secretary is kept busy answering ] 
letters of inquiry concerning identity of the various Goldwyn Girls who ] 
appeared in the Cantor pic, 'Roman Scandals'. Languishing long range 
victims of assorted beauts designate their favorite by referring to them 
by position in the dance line and specialty numbers. Harassed secre- 
tary plans to promote publication of the gals in ensemble bo they can 
be more, readily identified by admirers. 



Metro figures 'Riptide' will get bigger grosses in England, than any 
film it has yet released, due not only to Shearer but to the added weight | 
given the film by presence in the cast of Hta. Patrick Campbell, 

Mrs. Pat, known that way in England as the biggest legit star in two | 
.or three decades, is in her film debut in this picture, hence MG'sb.o.. 
theory; ~ ;r ~~ '" ' • ' 



he tired easily and therefore would require a stand-in, and as the latter 
would not have to play a violin it would be okay with him if Ben Bernie 
were used. The exec wrote back that the studio chose its own stand- 
ins, and that they must all resemble the person for whom they doubled, 
and as there was no resemblance between Lombardo and. Bernie they 
would secure someone who represented Guy, and had decided to use Duke 
Ellington. That stopped Lombardo getting smart with the f.o. 



The Paramount bankruptcy is among several mentioned in an article 
in the current Harper's magazine written by Victor House, prominent 
Now York attorney. He calls his article, 'The Lowly Bondholder'. 

House, on the Par bankruptcy, points principally to film negatives as 
security for' a bank loan. '' " : '" ' 



Barnum & Bailey chartered a 
train to bring Philadelphia news- 
papermen to N. Y. to see the white 
elephant. They opened Quakertown 
following the Garden date. 



Herr Haig, elastic skin man, was 
lectured on before the students of 
the University of Penn. Could cover 
his face with the skin of his chest. 



English act had a xylophone of 
stone, slabs. Largest were 6 feet 
long. Took three to play it 



Otis Skinner signed a. three-year 
contract with Augustin paly. 



Eden Miisee opened . March 29. 
Long an ..amusement feature, It 
brought T. Z. Poll to America. 



Edwi ooth and Henry Irving 
fighting for business. Booth seemed 
to have a shade on Irving, whose 
mannerisms were not liked. 



Fox will spot its five 'Debutantes of 1934', named in opposition to 
the Wampas baby stars, in five different pictures in order to help along 
the ballyhoolng for these young players. Claire Trevor goes into 'Always 
Honest', Pat Pater son, 'Call it Luck', Alice Faye, 'She Learned About 
Sailors', and Drue Layton, 'Charlie Chan's Courage'. Assignment to 
still another picture will be handed Rosemary Ames. 



Few picture . executives know much about the operation of a type- 
writer. But in the Hays. Office there's one who writes all his own con- 
fidential memos. And the portable machine he carries around the 
country with him is celebrating its 26th birthday, 



Attorneys for the roadway & Twentieth Properties, Inc., a California 
company, on whose application Paramount was placed into equity re- 
ceivership in January, 1933, have filed a petition for discharge of the 
bankruptcy before Referee Henry K. Davis. It will not be ..considered 
until a reorganization plan and a sale of the Paramount, assets to a new 
company has been completed. 



•Viva Villa's' sole directorial credit goes to Jack Conway, who stepped 
in on the picture after Howard Hawks had gone a considerable distance 
on it. Writer credit is also reduced solely to Ben Hecht. Numerous 
other writers worked with him on the story and were in original billing. 



Meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday) before Referee H. K. Davis, 
for further examination of officials"* or former officials of Paramount by 
the trustees has been set over' two weeks to April 17. There. has been 
no examination in about two months.. 



Exhibs. attending the MPTOA convention have a surprise in store for] 
them. It is a letter of commendation' from one of the biggest execu- 
tives in the U. S., couched in flattering superlatives. 

Lettor and a picture of the sender will feature the souvenir program. 
Identity of the sender is being withheld until the opening day. 



Variety's recent recapitulation of notable music scorers lauded the 
Fox 'Cavalcade* score among others. Article failed to properly credit 
Louis E. De Francesco, its composer-conductor, and the general musical 
director for Fox Film. 



Male screen star who . has never been on . the stage was doing a scene 
with an actor of long stage experience. First take was okayed, but the 
fllm^celeb^insigted^upon^a^second^ 

'You picture guys certainly aren't sure of your ability,' flipped the 
stage' recruit. • 



Blonde featured player In pictures claims her marriage was broken 
up by. Hollywood telephone calls and notes, quoting rumors about each 
^theri^untll-they-^begart^to^belleve^the- -reports.— 



Though Stuart Erwin replaced Lee Tracy In "Viva Villa', latter ap- 
pears in the release . print of picture. Studio did not cut out the long 
shot of Tracy and Beery on horseback after a "raid, which was" made In 
Mexico, and those who look close for it on the screen can make out the 
Tracy features. 



Estimated by Balaban & Katz that it cost them $400,000 annually 
to absorb admission taxes. System of absorbing the Government tax 
is used only at certain of the B. & K. houses. 



Prlncet6"n "has^givelTT^ram^ 
tlonal songs to be sung by Bing Crosby in 'She Loves Me Not'. 
College tunes are 'Old Nassau' and "Don't You Hear Them Bells?' 



A Paramount production executive topped a gag that Guy Lombardo I Metro is Interested in film rights to ^Roberta' and may take the piece 
tried to pull through a memorandum to the front office. He wrote that| at $60,000, but won't confirm a decision to buy* 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



LEGITIMATE 



VARIETY 



53 



LEGIT CODE UP IN AIR 



Johnson Makes Mediation a Must, 
All Amusement Codes Affected 



Washington, April 2. 

Industrial relations boards will be 
established in every industry to 
straighten out labor controversies, 
Recovery Administx'ator Hugh S. 
Johnson ordered Saturday (31). . 

Idea of setting up such mediation 
machinery in the legitimate thea- 
tre had been strongly denounced 
by union leaders two days, before 
the Johnson order was circulated to 
all NRA deputies; and it is expected 
concerted opposlsh will be displayed 
in every branch of the amusement 
field. 

Without specifying nature of 
these agencies, Johnson ordered: all. 
underlings to see that the approved 
code provisions calling -for indus- 
trial relations boards or commit- 
tees are carried out without further 
delay and that any effective codes 
Without such clauses are imme- 
diately revised. 

Step was taken to avert threat- 
ened strikes in many other lines 
and also to clip wings of Senator 
Wagner's independent Labor Board, 
it was indicated. Feeling between 
Johnson. .* nd Wagner has grown 
more bitter during recent weeks, 
and the General desires to play with 
employers as much as possible in- 
stead of giving them rough treat- 
ment demanded by Labor Board. 
To Add Clauses 

Whether such provisions can be 
inserted in radio, burley and film 
pacts without reopening them for 
amendments had not been settled 
today, but action in case of the 
legit code : was believed certain dis- 
pute, unions' strong protests. 
Clauses will be added to circus, 
carnie and park-pool-beach codes 
which are still pending, Deputy 
William P. Farnsworth suggested. 

Boards wo:.ld have full authority 
to tackle all labor scraps: and argu- 
ments and make findings subject 
to review by the NRA and in such 
manner would seriously restrict ac- 
tivities of regional labor boards set 
up by Wagner in all metropolitan 
centers. 

Meanwhile the Hollywood extra 
situation remained confused as Di- 
visional Administrator Sol Rosen- 
blatt made cryptic statements con- 
cerning fight going on between 
Judge Ben Lindsey, named by 
George Creel, California compliance 
boss, to look after extra squawks, 
and Charles Cunningham, Los An- 
geles compliance officer. Rosy 
pointed out that the outstanding 
committee on extra matter is func- 
tioning, but added that if code boards 
do hot serve their purposes, there 
seems no reason why compliance 
~ board should hot step in. 



ONE MORE CHANCE 



Katharine Cornel! Gives Rochester 
One More Tumble 



Rochester, April 2. 

Katharine, Cornell, who has passed 
up Rochester since she got. some 
unfavorable notices here in a try- 
out performance a few years ago, 
is slated for an appearance at the 
Lyceum theatre May 11, 12 in 'Bar- 
retts of Wimpole: Street.' 

Manager Hattie Lutt says it will 
interrupt the run of stock current 
at the Lyceum only for the two 
days of the performances.: 

Interest in the Players is showing 
steady increase,, especially . with the 
addition of a number of local ama- 
teurs for 'Twentieth Century,' the 
Easter week production. 




. MEET PUT 
OFF TO APRIL 10 



Many Fights Develop in 
Two-Day Session — Ticket 
Distribution* Stock Status, 
and Labor Issue Among 
Chief Problems 



W. & L Plan Stock Wheel Expansion 
To 15 Cities; Equity fives Okay 



UNIONS ADAMANT 



Big Business 



NO OPP. TICKET 
FOR 
LIKELY 




Chances of an opposition . ticket 
in Equity's annual election late in 
May have faded since last week. 
Younger element who proved their 
strength at the recent nominating 
meeting apparently are . satisfied 
with naming one vice-president and 
spotting six candidates among the 
Councilors. 

Opposition, appears to have 
quieted down for the reason that ho 
candidate for presidency could be 
discovered. However,, those in the 
movement to change Equity's exec- 
utive makeup have until May 1 to 
file a petition for an independent 
ticket. 

Officers of Equity will be elected 
for three years, and if no opposition 
ballot turns up it is likely those 
members' in the 'revolt' will con- 
centrate on representation in . the 
Council of 10 members for which 
elections are annual. 



OVERLAND PIANOLOG 

Helen Morgan Gives Train Passen- 
gers Break on Trek 



Free Legit Plays 
In Schools Go On 
Despite CWA Stop 



Curtailment of the Civil- Works 
Administration, which was effective 
Monday (2), id not include, the 
legit performances, being given 
. ightly in the high school audi- 
toriums in Greater New York. No 
instructions have been given George 
Junkin in charge of the drama 
project- to effect any changes in 
that department, other than drop- 
Ping several office employees. How- 
ever, it .is understood the actors 
wage, whioh varies between $25 and 
$30 weekly, may receive a percent- 
age cut. 

.There are, sti lM2_c_om ,^ 

~ the schools; Casts are being 
rotated from among tl-e list of ap- 
plicants, Whereas .150 actors were 
originally used, employment has 
been given to 450 different profes- 

Ji»lia4s-.to date^-.- — - 

Casting and booking are now be- 
ing handled by George Burton, who 
has been with the CWA drama de- 
partment since its inception. He 
succeeded Prank MoCormack, who 
hold the -post for a short time. 



Hollywood, April 2.. 

Helen Morgan's cross-country 
trip from New York was One round 
Of club car entertainment from the 
time the Chief left Chicago until it 
reached Los Angeles. Having se- 
'cure^'''~"ptfnirs"s1"b1i'" : from the Santa 
Fe execs to use the club car for 
entertaining, Miss Morgan, at 
Raton, N.. M., sent a telegram, to 
each of her 23 fellow passengers on- 
the trai , the wires, delivered at 
Los Vegas, asking them to join her 
at tea at 6. p. m. 

Every passenger, and the entire 
crew excepting the ineer and 
fireman, participated, ith a glass 
of vintage wine being sent ahead 
to these boys. Bill Pine and Irving 
Strouse engineered the stunt. 

■ Sante Fe now is figuring on hay 
ing a club car reception for all pas 
sengers on the third day out from 
either end. 

For her coast stay, Miss Morgan 
has taken Anna Q. Nils'son's. house 
at Malibu. Torcher will not ap- 
pear at any openings during her 
stay, and announces she is not here 
to do any picture work. 



Maxine Doyle Staging 



Los Angeles, April "2. 
Maxine Doyle, Warner contractce, 
Jias been loaned lor fbur_ weeks to 
Olson and Johnson for the legit, 
'Take a Chance,' opening Friday (6) 
at the Mayan.- 

Olsen and Johnson arrived here" 
yesterday from the East in a char 
terod plane. 



Washington, April 

Facing ..iubborri. disputes on a 
half-dozen vital issues, the Recov- 
ery Administration last week ad- 
journed hearings, on. revision of the 
legitimate theatre code to April 10 
for further investigation .of ticket 
problems and labor disputes. 

Few tentative agreements on key 
points were worked out at confer- 
ences with group leaders at the end 
of the week, but most of the prin- 
cipal items Of dispute' remain tip in 
the . air. - Entire pact was assailed 
at a two-day session which had 
been, expected to develop only a few 
significant differences of- Opinion. 

Principal item ironed out at in- 
formal confabs after hearings ended 
was a compromise on limitation of 
rehearsal time; Compromise speci- 
fies that during first, three weeks 
rehearsals shall be limited to eight 
hours with mealtimes included, but 
that no limit shall be placed on final 
week before presentation. Musicals 
may rehearse 7 hours in any 10- 
hour period starting with the call 
and without restriction during the 
last week. 

Other important disagreements 
were left mostly in the air, al- 
though it. was decided to drop the 
managers' proposal that pact pro 
hibit payment by managers of fees 
; to author's, agents and ah agree- 
ment, was reached to exempt little 
theatres and drop definition of them, 
leaving disputed cases up to the 
Code Authority. 

Expected that dispute over repre- 
sentation for stock will be settled 
by creating a CA committee to 
handle thjs phase of business. Ques 
tion of CA membership remains uri 
settled, with producers demanding 
more representation and labor 
kicking. 

Ticket Problem 

Ticket questions appeared to be 
the biggest stumbling block in way 
of bringing all factions into agree 
ment on revision, while other sore 
spots related to Code Authority 
constituency, relations between 
managers , and authors' agents, 
union labor requirements, little and 
summer theatres, and relationship 
of stock to original productions. 

Fight over proposal to prohibit 
rate-cutting, throw-away s, two -f or- 
ones, and similar devices assumed 
major proportions., as hinterland 
producers charged New York man- 
agers with violating regulations 
promulgated by Code Authority arid 
contended that reduced admissions 
are keeping legit alive throughout 
the country. 

Rivalry between authors of alter- 
native plans for dealing, with the 
scalper situation threatened to com- 
plicate working put of a more ef- 
fective means of metropolitan dis- 
tribution. With Shuberts and brok- 
ers fighting principal proposals, 
Brock Pemberton and- Phillip Wit- 
tenberg, volunteer counsel for CA, 
engaged in a test of strength to 
put over their own pet ideas. Con- 
sumer Advisory Board jumped into 
the scrap with demands that some- 
thing' be done. immediately and that 
drastic enforcement provisions be 
worked out. 

^=^^-^.-^Pemberton F 6^Plan^^=.^-, 

Development of a distribution 
system patterned after the 'English 
Library method' was advocated by 
Pemberton, who presented an 11- 
point scheme under which penalties 
could be-handed out" by~Co~dc Au- 
thority without being forced to ob- 
tain NRA sanction. Establishment 
of a central agency by the CA was 
suggested by Wittenberg, whose 
(Continued on page 54) 



New York Daily News, 
which hosted 44 amateur box- 
ers from Chicago who. lost the 
inter-city Golden Gloves meet* 
bought tickets for all to see 
'As Thousands Cheer,' night 
after the contests. Young as- 
piring pugs wanted to see the 
sights rather than a show and 
many of the 'Cheer' ducats 
were hawked on the Music Box 
pavement by the visitors. 

Tickets were $4.40 each. 
One kid swapped a pair of 
ducats for a pass to a cut- 
rated show requiring the pay- 
merit of 40 cents each for ad- 
mission, the deal' including the 
payment of two bucks also. 



SAILOR' CAST 
GETS WAGE 
NICK AGAIN 



Salaries, of 'Sailor Beware,' Ly 
ceum, N. Tl, were cut last Saturday 
(31), the slice coming as a surprise 
to the company, wben ,. it was 
thought that all was hunky dory 
back stage after a series of notices 
and differences over proposed en- 
velope clipping. Courtney Burr, 
who presents 'Sailor,' assembled the 
cast earlier in the week, saying that 
any agreements broached were off 
He added that if salary reductions 
were necessary to. prolong the en 
gagement, cuts would be made, but 
the players should depend on his 
sense of fair play. 
. Previously it had been proposed 
that the players agree to a cut if 
the gross dropped under $8,000. 
Such a paper was drawn tip with 
the aid of Equity, but said not to 
have been signed by either the 
players or the management. Cuts 
were to place salaries on the same 
level as that when the company was 
engaged. After the show clicked, 
Burr raised salaries though the 
boost in most cases was less than 
supposed, the general rise being 
about $10 weekly. 

Although having a run of the play 
contract, Eddie Craven was paid off 
25% under his salary, which he re 
fused to accept unless his contract 
was changed to a two weeks' notice 
agreement. Management refused 
that, but paid Craven his full sal 
ary. 



Dallas, Texas, Gets 
World Premiere of 
Shaw's New Play 



Dallas, April 2. 

Permission to stage the world 
premiere of George Bernard Shaw's 
latest play, 'A Village Wooing,' has 
been, bagged by the ..Dallas-. Little 
theatre after negotiations with the 
New York Theatre Guild, -owner of 
American production rights. 

Director Charles Meredith, due to 
the shortness of the new piece, will 
couple it with "Shaw's 'ThG.Man of 
Destiny' for a week's run April 1(5. 

Last year the Dallas grouivf 1 
cabling Shaw a mac-wesUan invita- 
tion to come over and see them 
.spjjrfttj me, . .g'Qt__an_ . answer_ but no 
Shaw. 



With Equity giving one phase of 
the. Wee and Leventhal rotary stock 
activities the double 0, the fin 
proposes booking some 
next season, ince some stands are 
good .for two and three weeks; " 
tors can be offered 15 to 20-week 
engagements and it is expected that 
some names wil be attracted to the. 
stock showings. 

W:&L. is now using some play- 
ers on percentage. It 'is presenting 
some stock releases, some shows are 
on a production basis for. trouping 
and several are-, new shows. All 
three types have been okayed by 
Equity, it being pointed out that 
new shows are frequently tried out 
in stock.. 

Equity Investigating 
However, the claim that W.&L. 
closed the road show of 'Dangerous 
Corner' In Washington arid resumed 
it as a stock outfit over the week- 
end in Philadelphia with six out of 
seven players going in from Jack- 
son Heights; IS being investigated 
by a special committee appointed by 
Equity's Council. Gavin Muir first 
protested^ the move, questioning 
Equity's haying rated the resuihed 
show as stock. He held up the cur- 
tain in Washington until he got an 
extra week's salary and is under 
suspension.* 

In support, of his positidri Muir 
called attention to the fact that the 
stage hands refused to recognize 
'Corner' as stock and its regular 
road crew went into Philly. Equity 
says it does not care how the stage 
hands rate an. attraction and con- 
cedes that union's right to do so. 
Yet, other members of the road 
'Corner' have asked Equity about it 
and intend filing claims for a week's 
salary. 

For that reason Priestly Morrison, 
Augustin Duncan and Mary Fowler 
have been named as a committee to 
listen to the players' contentions. 
Committee will report back to the 
Council probably today (3) and that 
"body will make a ruling whether 
the claims are justified or not-, If 
allowed, the status of the Muir case 
may still not be changed, the actor 
having been ordered to refund the 
money ■■ — $200 ■ — after which his 
claims will be heard. 

Rotary Stock OK'd 

Equity has okayed the W.'&L. ro- 
tary stock plans, but a ruling per- 
mitting or forbidding continuance 
and expansion of the idea with the 
40-cent pass admissions, will come 
when the new legit code is adopted. 

Firm is operating in half a dozen 
houses, two in Philadelphia, where 
shows play two weeks or more, as 
is* also true in Boston. Other spots 
are ..Newark, and Jackson Heights. 
Bridgeport and New Haven will 
shortly be added to the wheel. 

"Best reported profit points 
Philadelphia and Newark. Opera- 
tion of latter stand, where the profit 
has been $1,000 weekly for the past 
six weeks, indicates, how scheme, 
works'. Landlord takesi 40% of the 
gross, paying stage hands and ad- 
vertising, which is limited to $200 
weekly. No production haulage, 
costs, house (like the others) "pro- 
viding the scenery. All shows, are 
one-setters and with the nut. re- 
duced all around a profit is pos- 
sible from moderate grosses, v/hile 
the populace is falling plenty for 
the cheap admissions. 



Zatkin, Producer 

~" iTathVn Zatldn _ is"^ing*T^B»t P r ° 
duccr with a revival of an Ibsen 
play, 'Lady from the Sea.' 

John Houseman, who staged 'Four 
Saints in Three Acts,' will direct. 

Richard Wharf will head the oast. 



G. S. KAUFMAN READIES 
KRAFT PLAY FOR B'WAY 



Hollywood, April 2. 

George S. Kaufman and H. S. 
Kraft left Hollywood last week for 
New York where. Kaufman will di- 
rect Kraft's' untrtTetl^play for. Sam 
II. Harris. 

Moses Hart, who has . been . col- 
laborating on a play with Kaufman 
at Palm Springs, returned with 
them. 



54 



VARIETY 



L E € I II M 41 E 

j • - -? . * * M * 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934. 



Jjegit Code in Air 



(Continued from page 53) 
plan carries/ the endbrsem*ent of 
Deputy Administrator William P. 
Tarhsworth, Witt.enber ' former 
■law associate. 

Relating a, series of failures to 
itamp out Scalpers and condemning, 
the present situation as cumber- 
some and legally ..impotent, Pem- 
berton, who noted he had the 'du- 
bious honor* of chalrmaning the CA : 
ticket committee, advocated aboli- 
tion of present pasteboards and use 
of agency orders on bb* . offices to 
curb speculators. ../ 

Although criticising the present 
set-up, Pemberton admitted the 
code had been 75 to 80% successful 
and commended the regulation. Un- 
der, which managers are required to 
retain 25 %, of their ducats at the 
box office^ Latter requirement has 
brought 'something entirely new' 
."or theatre patrons— ability . to 
make purchases at the box: office, 
Pembertoh said. 

Wittenberg Scheme 
Describing the Wittenberg scheme 
3 'riot radical erio'ugh/ and having 
• pme virtues, and some defects,' 
Pemberton ndmitted the Impossl-' 
Ivillty of enlisting unanimous sup- 
port from managers- for any par- 
ticular plan; Some form of supple- 
mental distribution is needed, he 
agreed, but means .'must he provided 
for- weeding, out unnecessary and 
dishonest brokers. . 

Points outlined by Pemberton as 
essential abolition of buys; 

requirement that certain percentage 
be kept at the box office; limitation 
on premiums; ibltlbn of gifts 
lietween managers and ..brokers; 
outlawing of ... manager., relations 
with Unlicensed brokers; heavy 
penalties imposed by Code Author- 
ity; use. of agency orders on box 
offices;: central control of method 
:>y 'Code Authority -to prevent dis- 
rrimlriation between brokers or 
"ieatres; institution of Club service; 
: aparatlen of theatre and other 
Ticket business by brokers; print- 
i lg of agency- name, price and pre 
mini on either, tickets or orders on 
oox offices. 

Should the 'library* method be 
emplpyed, Pembertpn explained, 
better public service wculd be af- 
forded, since theatres cou) I main 
tain control over disposition of seats 
anf. would be kept informed con> 
stantly o. the speed at which reser 
vations t.re being purchased. Sys 
tern is similar to that use* by tour 
1st and Pullman agencies in selling 
reservations to travelers. . A weak- 
ness of the existing method, Pem- 
berton noted, Is the ffit that , once 
pasteboards/ are turned over to 
agencies the theatre has no idea 
iiow many seats have bee sold. Be 
:<ides correcting tl.is weakness, the 
■aw method would put brokers on 
i heir toes, he v remarked. 

Proposed Amendment 

Wittenberg > lan was written into 
the revised code as a proposed 
mendment and was dic?ussed only 
isually. It would Invol* creation 
of a central agency by the Code 
Authority, transfer of all tickets for 
brokers to this organization, and 
subsequent distribution to indi- 
vidual agents. Ducats would be 

k registered to facilitate tracing those 

I suspected of falling into scalpers' 

•' hands. 

Request for opportunity to study 
any plans presented, and to. file 
briefs or alternate schemes was 
made by William Klein, represent-! 
ing , the Shuberts. He condemned 
the Pemberton proposal as un- 
wieldy; commenting that use of 
orders on box offices would Cause 
confusion and displease patrons. 

Cut-rate- controversy was called 
forcibly to. the attention of the NRA 
.irst by Pemberton, who said, that 
the revised pact should authorize a 
ticket -control method adaptable to 
the whole country. Emphasizing 
that current restrictions apply only 
In New York, the ticket " committee 
chairman caustically remarked that 
the limited scope of the regulations 

* has 'laid the country wide open to 
the thro wa way system.' 

Haight's Angle 
Added demands for prohibition of 

Wf: rata , cutting schemes cam e__ jr om 

~^ George* Haight, who \blamed~prlcS-" 
cutting local managers for making 
conditions bad for road shows. 
Terming the throwaways a racket, 
Haight said the method was unfair 
to customers and Injurious to the 
atres, adding that such bait does 
not attract permanent patronage 
' insisting that managers who 
can operate for 40 cents should ad 

f verti.se pi-Ices accordingly. 

These attacks provoked immedi 



ate responses from -Lester L*. Smith, 
representing a^hB '-Dramatic- Stock 
Managers*' Aflsoefatijn; J Harry 
LeBrun pf Philadelphia, speaking 
fpr Wee & Leventha'. and Samuel 
Nirdlinger, Phllly operatpr. All 
defended the theory of throwaways 
and twp-for-ohes, maintaining the 
public- Is not misled and Use" of such 
devices is - beneficial; 

Smith contended that the greater 
part pf the hatipn's theatre is io- 
cated outside New Tprk and is rep- 
resented by stock, most of the man- 
agers depending pn. thrpwaways to 
attract patronage. 

Psychology 
Public psychology makes use of 
throwaways necessary, Smith main- 
tained, since patrons are skeptical 
Of low-priced entertainment, and 
while they will jump at the chance 
to buy a $2 ticket for 40 cents they 
are dubious about attending shows 
advertised for 40 cents.. 

Emphasis was laid on the number 
cf managers using such devices, 



eral managers Insisted, with Marcus Producers, on the contrary, insisted 



A. Heiman, Roland Stebblns, Law- 
rence Langner and David Felpstone 
leading the fight for the Weinberger 
proposal. 

Hei man's Idea 

The road could be revived if pro- 
duction costs could be reduced, Heir 
man predicted, - complaining that 
union requirements frequently in- 
volve labor costs which mean the 
difference between, a. moderate suc- 
cess and a flop. Establishment of a 
means fpr working but these dis- 
putes would be fpr the mutual good 
pf producers and workers, he noted, 
since the result would be greater 
opportunities for. employment and 
longer runs. 

insisting that arbitrary rules re- 
quiring, employment of surplus mu- 
sicians and stage hands prevent 
producers from, paring overhead, 
Helman called to Farnsworth's' at- 



summer theatres should Come un- 
der th'e pact since 'they, frequently 
are competitive. Similar contro- 
versy occurred over stock, Farns- 
worth noting that many stock pro- 
ducers have attempted to dodge the 
code by adopting the name 'little 
theatre.' 

Experimental Theatres 
Plea on. behalf of experimental 
theatres was made by George 
Haight, who said, that summer the- 
atres generally' want to get- away 
from commercial competition and 
rarely make profit, Boyd N* 
Smith, manager of the Yale theatre, 
contended little theatres cannot be 
construed as units in any 'indus- 
try' arid; said the definition is bad 
because many amateur groups em- 
ploy paid directors, which would 
make them subject to; the code In 
its proposed form. AH references to 



tentlon the -fact that during recent amateur groups should be ellml 



years plays are In either the hit . or 
.flop class, and the moderately suc- 
cessful play has been killed, . 

Several provisions reducing labor, 
costs, were advocated by Felnstone, 
whp urged clauses limiting mini- 
mum oalis to three empleyes in 



Smlth^repertlng that 17 pf 27-exist- , one . set shows . rlght to interchange 
ing stpek cpmpanles emplcy thls| ""„„„^„^„ i . ^/ 
fprm pf rate- cutting and 'are en- 



tirely dependent, uppn that/system.' 

Smith was agreeable, however, to; 
the idea/ of requiring throwaways. 
to carry an explanation that a 40- 
cen.t service charge will be imposed. 

Determination of thV government 
to curb, if not outlaw the practice, 
was revealed by Deputy Admlnis- 



department heads;, abolition of the 
yellow' card ; and limitation on lia- 
bility for debts to unions. 

instone's View 
Code should provide that one-set 
shows need only a carpenter, an 
electrician and a head property 
man, he said. Yellow card is un^ 
just, because It Is based the 



nated to prevent confusion and mis- 
understanding, Barrett Clark said. 

Support for the summer theatre 
on the ground it holds the future 
of the stage was provided by George 
Middleton, representing' the Dra- 
matists' Guild. . Said prolonged con- 
troversy oyer the Code will delay 
start-, pf Suhimer activities and 
urged, that Code directly exempt 
sUch groups, rather than leave mat- 
ter in the CA's hands. John How- 
ard Lawson, representing the Guild, 



duclng the number of stagehands, 
now'requlred toy] rpad shpws. 

Protests, tha£\ the union has agreed 
to make seyeral cuts were regis- 
tered by Fred J. Dempsey, Alliance 
secretary-treasurer, who pcinted 
put that the theatrical season is 
short and cutting employees does 
not help producers or spread jobs 
in the long rUn. Dempsey com- 
plained that managers 'chisel every ; 
chance they get' arid if offered a 
chance to. go before mediation 
bpa'rds would . keep unions on the 
defensive continuously; 

lllott's opposition the pro- 
grain was modified by an agreement 
that; the union might consider some 
mediation scheriie' if arbitration 
boards would be up in. every 
city,, but he registered strong 6b-' 
jections tO having a New York 
group rule in cases arising in Bos- 
ton; Los Angeles and other centers. 
Equity Slaps 
Managers. Came in for more slaps 
when Equity representatives ap- 
peared to demand limitations on re- . 
hearsals. Suggestion of Lawrence 
Langner that rehearsal time is de- 
voted to teaching actors was de- 
rided by Frank Glllmore, who said 
'acting cannot be taught, and de- 
manded, that rehearsals be lihiitcd 
to eight hburs. Equity leader said 
It is 'absurd', insist that mor 
time Is needed. . 
Complaint that managers failed 



agreed that little theatres should Up n ve up tp promises to remedy re- 



not be mentioned in the pact. 

Greater representation on Cpde 
AUthprity fpr bpth New Yerk and 
stpek prpducers was demanded by. 



trater Farnsw'prth, wbP commented I ^ew York theatre, while many I Weinberger and Lester Smith, 
that 'there Isn't, anything we .can . •houses, used, on the, road ate smaller,. Cornier " contended that labor has 
do to prevent the public from being hewer, and better equipped, sp that too great a voice iii admin 



chumps, but. we, certainly will pre 
vent them from being made suck- 
ers;'' 

Deceptive? 

Farnsworth's Implication drew 
heated denial from Smith that 
throwaways. t are deceptive. 'We 
don't depend on deceit to do busi 
ttess.' he retorted, observing that 
'the consumer doesn't object — there 
are only a few squawks.' Smith 
finally admitted, however, that twO- 
for-ones are unfair to the public 
and agreed that iniquities resulting 



many .employes -are unnecessary, he 
contended; Labor regulations make 
It Impossible; he added, to book films 
in legit houses since excessive num- 
bers of union , employes are required 
under present regulations. 

Union regulations were blamed by 
Stebbins for lack of available capi- 
tal and by Langner fo:' discouraging 
playwrights. 

Stebbins related expenses in- 
curred in taking 'Green Pastures' on 
the road to prove his contention. 
Said profit fpr /25-wee tpur was | 



hearsal abuses- came from Dorothy 
Eryant, Chorus EqUity representa- 
tive, whp testified 'the legitimate, 
theatre code is the Only NRA code 
linrtcr; which there ere a'ny emp'; 
who work for riot'iUxg. 
Hours should be co.i 



Istratlon, while latter complained affo!fd needed protection 
that stock managers . were • squeezed ,. ine «. s - ne B ^ 
out. when the original code Was 



drafted. 

Agent Fees 

Provisions preventing managers 
managers from, paying fees to au- 
thors* agents were advocated. . by 
Alexander McKalg and Pembertoh 
and opposed by dramatists' spokes- 
men. Managers insisted they ate 
held up by playwrights, while, latter 
Insisted producers would not* go 
through with the amendment tb the 



from this methpd pf price-cutting pnly $9,000 and that unlpns got over basic agreement originally proposed 



should be eliminated. 

Right of hinterland managers to 
use rate-cutting metheds was de- 
fended by LeBrun, whp repeated 
Smith's charges that New York 
managers vlplate price-cutting ,prp" 
visions in other ways. Phllly law 
yer contended that trietropplltan 
producers have no grounds for kick- 
ing because: 'they abandoned the 
road, through their short-sighted 
policies.' 

'If yOu ' limit this . phase -of the 
business, it will mean throwing 500 
men and women out of work,' Le 
Bruh testified.- 'Under the cut-rate 
system we have been able to re- 
open houses throughout the couh 
.try which have been dark for a long 
time.' 

Type and Method 

Detailed information about the 
type and methpd of distribution of 
throwaways was spiicited from Le- 
Brun, whp said that In spn.e cases 
the number cf such admissions was 
rigidly limited. 

Admission that some forms pf 
throwaways are a racket came from 
Samuel Nirdlinger, whp related hpw. 
he had adopted the British pit sys^ 
tern tp attract patrons 



$61,000 of the $312,000 gross. I last summer. Pemberton contended 

Protesting 'if we have empty the- that managers who attempt to give 
atres We can't make, any money,' plays proper presentation but can- 
Langner accused union leaders of not keep going three weeks should 



Opposition to differential for stock 
actors was voiced by. Emily' Holt, 
who stressed that minimum for 
stock companies was $10 belpw the. 
subsistence wage paid actcrs in 
CWA cpmpanles'. Mrs. Holt said 
prpppsed differentials wpuld turn, 
theatres intp sweatsheps. Media- 
tiph idea was also criticized by Mrs. 
Holt, who said boards would nullify 
contracts negotiated by ccllectlve: 
bargaining. 

Wardrobe Workers 
Separate wage and heur clauses 
for wardrobe workers were asked 
by Augusta Ocker cf Wardrobe At - 



entertaining a false philosophy' 
about ways of increasing emplcy- 
ment. He neted that theatres can 
net install labpr^savlng devices 
used in Industrial plants and said 
that insistence upcri erhplcyment of 
unneeded wprkers kills shews and 
restricts jcb chances. 

Langner's Point 
Dramatists' suffer directly from 
union rules, Langer ppinted out, 
since they are hesitant about writ 
ing multi-set plays for fear man 
agers . will reject them on account 
of high production costs. Theatre 
cannot compete with films under 
these conditions, he observed, be 
cause motion pictures offer frequent 
changes of scenery. One -set shows 
hr.ve increased greatly in the past 
five years, he said 

Other principal labor dispute re 
lated to proposals to place rigid 
limitation on rehearsal periods 
Limitation was attacked by man- 
agers as too restrictive. Proposl 
tion was put forward by Weinberger 
which eliminated requirement that 



have some share in film and other | .tendants' Union, Who complained 

that numerous wage cuts have been 
taken in the hope of helping man- 
agers make the grade. She pointed 
out that unemployment h-a spread, 
and opposed any further reductions. 
Ticket brokers presented opposi- 
tion to the Pemberton an". Witten- 
berg schemes and differed among 
themselves on question of whether 
there/are too many brokers arid how 
tickets shpuld be distributed. 

Stanley. Fewler, describing him- 
self as a representative cf the 'big 
bad welves,' said brokers no lpnger 
speculate, and ccmplalned that it Is 
impossible fpr any but a favbred 



rights. McKalg pretested that un- 
less the code makes payments by 
managers an unfair practice, man- 
agers will be fcrced tb pay . fees 
which sheUld be paid by authors. 
JOhn Howard Lawspn ccuntered 
with a charge that under the pres- 
ent arrangement the author pays 
all and managers pay nothing, re- 
marking that rights to a play are 
not divisible. 

Emplpyer and enipleyee factlchs 
appeared deadlocked on the media- 
tion question, although Gen. Hugh 
Johnson has ordered that every code 
contain a provision setting, up in- 



dustrial relations- boards. Union few to live up to. present require- 
officials strongly assailed the prop- I ments. 



4ftet_NlrdHn.ger. -had presented I .rehearsal' time, .be .consecutive, ^but 
some sample tickets, Farnswprth | specified ! rehearsals msut take place 
pulled /from his ppcket ethers issued between 10 a.m. and midnight, 
by the Philadelphia man's theatres Would allow a iQ-hpur day fpr mu- 
which, he maintained, were decep- slcal er spectacular pla. and eight 
tive. Farnswprth. alsp admitted he for serious drama and would remove 
had called the attention Of, the In- | restrictions during the twb-to-three 



ternal Revenue Bureau tp the use 
of these ducats and had been In- 
formed that, tax must be paid on the 
basis of full established /price, al- 
though actual sale price is only a 
fractional part .of the printed 
amount; 

Labor Scrap 

Principal scrap over labor cen- 
tered on proposals to establish a | 
mediation board to settle contro- 
versies resulting from union regu- 
latipris. Such an agency was pro- 
posed by Milton R. Weinberger, 
counsel for League of New York 



weeks before opening. 
' Supporting this proposal, Law : 
rence Langner admitted that re- 
hearsals are frequently proloriged 
and actors are abused, but said that 
blame should not be placed "entirely 
on producers. Charged many actors 
are slow to learn a"-d that pthers 
are engaged when, rehearsals fer 
new plays are. being held. 

Rehearsal Time 
Rehearsal time fer musical num 
bers. should be extended,. Dwlght 
Deere Wlman peinted eut. William 
Klein, Shubert sppkesman, took the 



Theatres who presented a sheaf of | same position, emphasizing frequent 
amendments, the most important 
specifying that a review board with 
^^r^Xo^rW^e^fin^T'o^MoJ^s^aXd^ 
settle union controversies. 

Board .would consist of one mem- 
ber named by. the employer, one by 
the union involved and one by the 
President. Amendment stipu lated 



need for complete revision of dance 
numbers and substitution of new 
music/ 

Considerable dispute developed 
over a proposal tb specify 



osition of managers and refused to 
consider the particular scheme ad- 
vocated. 

The proposal would put the labor 
movement back 30 or 40 years, the 
NRA was tpld by Gen. Samuel T. 
Anse.ll, ceunsel fer Federatien ef. 
Musicians. 

Mediation 

Mediation Idea would Break dewn 
contracts, he said, and would 'sim- 
ply be punishing the right of the 
individual or group or union *o en- 
ter irito a contract with the people 
whp employ them.' Said claims that 
change in union regulations would 
stimulate new productions was 
'pure speculation' and insisted the 
Musicians Unicn -has gp.he as far 
as it can toward reducing, labor ex- 
penses. 

Taking issue with the Ansell 
claim that musicians have made nu- 
merous previous concessions, Mil- 
ton Weinberger, charged 'we have 
met ypur representatives time and 
time again and we have gotten np- 
where.' 

Argument, that labor costs dis- 
courage., new production was re- 
versed by A. Hi Nussbaum, repre- 
senting Musicians Local 802, who 
said that patronage has slumped 
because theatres offer ho musical 
entertainment between acts. 

= EfTr6"tt r s^Arg r ffmehT : 



that decision should be binding on 
both parties and have same status 
as clauses Jn collective agreements. 

Some machinery for relieving 
managers of oppressive union re- 
quirements 1 should be provided, seV- 



harge that managers, are trying 
that I to 'revolutionize' labor situation at 
little theatres are not subject to | expejise pf his membership 
the code and provisions authorizing 
i2o.de Authority to grant exemptions 
to summer companies in small 



towns. 

Spokesmen for amateurs insisted 
code should not refer at all to them, 
and criticized the proposed defini- 
tion of little theatres as misleading. 



was 

made by William Elliott, president 
of I.A.T.S.1S., who said 'I cannot 
agree' to any part of the plan, pol 
Icy, or system submitted.' Pointing 
out that stagehands on the road are 
on Call' seven days, 24 hours, Elliott 
defended the yellow card practice 
and bluntly refused to consider re 



Permission to make at least pne 
resale was urged by nearly all 
agencies, on the ground that the 
allocation system Is discriminatory 
and provision should be made, for 
obtaining an added supply of ducats, 
Strauss' Angle 
Present system, was condemned 
by Robert. K. Strauss, CA member 
for the t. government, who urged the 
trial pf .sprrie new scheme. Sup- 
pcrting some features Of the Wit- 
tenberg proposal and opposing 
others, Strauss said 'the present sys- 
tem cannot be enforced and that 
new method should be elastic. He 
opposed suggestion that resale be 
permitted. 

Bpth alternate Ideas Were assailed 
by John McBrlde, who said that 95 
per cent of all tickets are sold at 
the box office scale and pointed but 
that gyp business Is extremely 
small. Public insists on gpod seats 
and will pay any price tp get them 
when.it wants them, he noted. Ap- 
proving the present plan of ticket 
control, McBride said there, are too 
many agencies in the business un- 
der present conditions. 

Defending cut-rate agencies, 
Matthew H. Zimmerman of the Le- 
biang agency urged revival of 'buys.' 

'The Leblang method never hurts 
te"s'ttc'cessn in.r^^^ 
office sale of near-hits,' he. said. 'It 
serves as a salvage. Outlet for sibw- 
moying, leftover, and out-of- 
fashipn merchandise in the theatre.* 
Briefs, demanding stringent pro- 
visions controlling scalpers were 
presented by the Consumers Ad- 
visory Board, which asked time to 
study the Pemberton and Witten- 
berg schemes and discuss matter in 
greater detail at the next session. 




Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



Plays Out of Town 



Sweet Bells Jangled 

Philadelphia, April 2: 

Latest vehicle for Jane Cowl looks 
artistically as promising as any- 
thing she's ever had, hut certain 
aspects of the theme make it doubt- 
ful for popular success, .Sheldon 
Bennett and Shepard Traube are 
listed as producers. 

Author; .Reginald Lawrence, is; 
dealing with an interesting angle, of 
deranged mentality. He. handles the 
theme delicately, and with restraint, 
but the idea may be distasteful to 
some theatregoers. Most of the. 
critics here, raved, but there were 
complaints from patrons. 

Story concerns one Meg Pember- 
ton, who goes insane when, just be- 
fore her child is to bo born, . she 
learns that her husband has •been 
unfaithful. Baby dies in childbirth, 
but mad Meg persists in believing 
that It lived and also that her err- 
ing husband had gone away on a 
long journey. 

A noted psychiatrist is brought in 
on the case, and his suggestion is 
that an old girl friend, Janet Dodge, 
come to the house to live and that 
she and the husband try, gradually 
and gently, to win the wife.. back to 
sanity. As. is not a,t all surprising, 
the two, being thrown much to- 
gether, fall in love. In the end, an-r 
other doctor reverses the. advice of 
the first, sends the friend away and 
tells the husband to court his wife 
all over again as, even in her clouded 
mind,, she has sensed the attach- 
ment of hubby and friend and be- 
lieves she is not wanted. 

There are many very touching 
scenes in 'Sweet Bells Jangled' and, 
several highly emotional ones. In 
fact, the action is , unusually' tense 
from the curtain rise to the end, 
and if one will accept the theme, 
he is bound to be much impressed 
by its unfolding. Certain elements 
of the . characterizations— especially 
that of the central character, may 
not' stand up under analysis, but 
they- make for terrifically powerful 
dramatic conflict. Although much 
heavier, Lawrence's play resembles 
Pulton Oursler's 'Behold This 
Dreamer,' in which. Glenn Hunter 
appeared about five years ago. That, 
although a well-rated play, was 
failure. 

Capital performances, all along 
the line help 'Sweet Bells Jangled 1 
greatly. In fact it's the kind of 
play that requires the most delicate 
and sensitive handling. Miss Cowl, 
although the central figure, has by 
no means got the biggest, part. In 
fact she's comparatively little on the 
stage, but she does have some tre 7 
mendously effective scenes. Her 
• role is made particularly difficult 
by reason of the fact that she has 
to «arry, nearly all the time, 
bundle , of clothes which she, in her 
deranged state, insists on thinking 
is her child. 

Mary Phillips is- capital as the 
. girl .friend and so is Minor Watson, 
as the husband. In fact, he has one 
of the best roles he has had .in a 
long time and a tough one, too. The 
two doctors are portrayed by Clyde 
Franklin and. Eugene Sigaloff, and 
Florence Edney contributes one of 
■ her usual shrewd character por- 
trayals as a nurse. Donald Oen- 
slager's one set is in fine taste. 

'Sweet Bells Jangled' is a thought- 
ful and Impressive play. It. remains 
to .be seen whether its theme will be 
accepted. Waters. 



Moon Ballet, is strikingly effective. 

Ail the boys re capable, but El- 
mer Jacob Myers who plays the- 
King with a make-up like the Sow- 
low comic strip, J. Ellwood Dough- 
erty, as the seductive June East/ 
and Samuel Walter Gregg, Jr., as 
August Pickins, are outstanding. ., 

A tour of Pennsylvania cities will; 
follow. 'Easy Pickins* is a good 
show and a credit ,:the organiza- 
tion.'. Waters.-;. 



BROADWAY REVIEW 



Shows in Rehearsal 



One More Honeymoon 

Farei : in three acts, presented at the 
Little, March 81, by John Nicholson and 
Ned Brown: written by Leo Reardon: 
staged by Nicholson. . 
Chuck McAffoo. ..... ... v. .Charles ,Harrlspn 

Richard I. Mason . . . .,. . . .Bur.ford Hampden 

Ramona, St. Clair. ; . ..... . .Sally Starr 

Nancy Devore v • Ann ■. Butler 

Wanda Rutledge. .... Alice FJemlnR 

Henry Rowland. .Gepree Pembroke 
1'odkee.locodeekasomoko... ."Will. H. Phllbrlck 

Miss Rutherford,.. Alrhlra Sessons 

Charles Lummus.. Harry Hanlon 



'Are You Decent' lbert 
Bannister) Bijou. 

Mig Saw' (Theatre 
Guild. 

'Broadway Interlude' (Ham- 
merstein and DuFor) Masque. 

'Stevedore' (Theatre Union) 
14th Street.. 

'She Loves e Not' (Lon- 
don) (Wiman and Weatherly) 
:46th Street. 

'Late Wisdom' (Mark New- 
man) Little.. 



Wash. Battle on Tkowaway Ducats 
May Bring Treasury Dept faquiry 



BALTIMORE GETS FIRST 
LEGIT THIS SEASON 



DUCAT 





OWN PLAN 



Saturday was the wettest night 
of the season, but, the boys who i-e- 
vie-yv plays slunk out mumbling that 
they'd rather brave the downpour 
than take any more of 'One More 
Honeymoon/ Trooping started at 
the end of act one and the third act 
found only, those reviewers who 
sing in the rain remaining. . Plays 
can fool the orltics sometimes, but 
hot this time, for the only Holy Week 
entrant is (or was) amateurish. 
Surprising if it holds the boards be 
yond the opening performance. 

It's about a young fellow who goes 
broke in the bug exterminating busi- 
ness; Good riatured newspaper- 
woman steers a rich widow into the 
runt's apartment and he marries the 
matron, taking her to Iceland on >a 
honeymoon. The long winter night 
was figured perfect, for that SOrt of 
thing. 

They bring back an Eskimo, a guy 
with a 21-letter name but with a 
new kind of bug exterminating juice 
made out of fish. To prove he is an 
Eskimo he eats the goldfish. Then 
a spinster 1 anthropologist grabs, 
teaches and marries him, and he 
sells his bug stuff for a million 
bucks. 

There is more to the story hut it 
doesn't matte*. Most, of the cast 
names looked strange and so was 
the acting.. Curious, however, to see 
Will H. Philbrick cavorting about 
as the fat Icelander PoOkeelocc- 
deekasomoko. He. was amusing for 
a moment or so. 

Sure was a wet night, but the 
show was wetter. Ibee. 



EASY PICKINS 

(Mask and Wig Show) 

---- . .Philadelphia, April, 2. 

Maslc and Wig Club's 46th an- 
nual musical extravaganza turns 
out to be one of its best, although 
club saved money this year by em- 
ploying no professional talent any- 
where. Dances were directed by a 
Wigger (Francis J. Kellyi Jr.) and 
he's done a capital job. Settings 
and costumes were also designed by 
the boys, and they deserve plenty 
of credit. 

'Easy Pickins' concerns the Pick- 
ins Brothers (August and Septem-r 
ber), two scientists who set off . to 
explore the stratosphere together, 
with June East, a lady of buxom 
..and voluptuous, beauty, the kind 
commonly associated with Mae 
West. They land- on the moon and 
one of the explorers (August) is ac- 
cused by the Lunar King of alien- 
ating his wife's affections. Second 
act mostly concerns August's trial 
at which, among other things, he 
is accused of causing the cows on 
the milky way to go on strike- Much 
of this trial scene is very amusing 
^indeed ^aWr^wRTi^ir Tot^of ^Wrm 
rhyme, . it is also quite clever and 
more adult than most of the books 
of, college shows. 

Joseph P. Fellman and S. Bick- 
ley . Ileiehncr have contributed a 
corking score— ohc of the host a 
Mask' and Wig show Iras ever 'pos- 
sessed. Outstandingly tuneful num- 
bers are 'Old Man Moon,' 'Nasty 
Man,' 'Loneliness* and 'Easy Pick- 
ins/ As previously noted, the dahoo 
evolutions are intricate and very 



Hampden Gets $7,000 

In 4 Shows, Seattle 

- Seattle, April 2. 

Four performances at 55 cents to 
$2.20 netted Walter Hampden $7,000 
here. House seats 1,400, so this 
kind, of biz is close to capacity. 

Hampden laid off during Holy 
week; goes next to Salt Lake. 

L. A. Memory' Readied 

Los Angeles, April 2. 

Rehearsals for the Myron. C. 
Fagan production of *Memory,' 
which he authored, and which, will 
star Helen Morgan, begin tomorrow 
(3) at the Biltmbre, with the drama 
set to open April 30. 

Kurt Ames (Leort Waycoff) gets 
the male lead and Erin O'Brien- 
Mporo the top femme part. Also in 
cast is Jackie Searle. Miss Morgan 
will warble one ditty. P A Fool There 
Was,' by Stella Unger and Fred 
Fisher. 

. Fagan will direct, with Irving 
Strouse handling publicity; 



Aiding Binyon 

Hollywood, April -2. - 
In - the cast . '$tooge,' Claude 
Binyon- Joe Mankiewicz play based 
on the Binyon yarn, are Leo Chal- 
zel, Ferdinand '• Munier, Jerry 
Fletcher, Valerie Stevens. 

Wm.. Russell is directing,, with 
Opening., tentatively ; set for the 
Threshold, new Hollywood legit 
show window, around middle of 
April. 



roadway's theatre ticket brokers 
were told to present a plan of ticket 
control when the additional open 
hearing on the code is held in 
Washington next Tuesday (10) 
William P. Farnsworth, deputy ad> 
ministrator who succeeded Sol 
Rosenblatt, bluntly told the tioket 
people at the code hearing at the 
capital last week that if they didn't 
have some plan of their own, one of 
the several ticket plans already pro 
posed would be accepted. 

In the two day and night sessions, 
a majority of the time was devoted 
to tickets, in one phase or another. 
There were revelations which apr 
peared to surprise Farnsworth, de- 
spite the welter of confabs on 
tickets prior to, and during the 
hearings. Comment of some officials 
interested in straightening out the 
Jegit. situation was to the effect that 
entirely too much attention was de- 
voted to ^tickets and that there were 
other problems as important. 

Independent brokers, those 
grouped outside the • big three — 
McBrides,. Postal-Leblang. and 
Tyson (Sullivan-Kay) — were repre- 
sented by attorney Stanley Fowler. 
He declared that most of the pre- 
ferred tickets for some shows and 
particularly the 'Follies' were 
alloted to the three leading brokers. 
It was claimed, that 270 of such 
tickets virtually shut out the inde- 
pendents and 180 tickets went to 
one agency (Tyson), that, number 
later being reduced to 150. He 
charged that his clients therefore had 
to obtain tickets from that agency, 
paying 75c. over the box office 
price and, if sold to customers with- 
out additional charge to hold their 
patronage, there was no profit. 
Argument was in support of the 
indie plan for the right to make a 
resale charge, which would double 
the present allowable premium. 

Otherwise It was figured that if 
rules covered the price phase .of 
ticket distribution there should also 
be rules making for a . more even 
allotment, 

Shuberts di not subscribe to 
that idea. J. J. Shubert was pres- 
ent with his attorney but withdrew 
after becoming indisposed, not how- 
ever until after declaring that the 
Shubert theatres would , dispose., of 
tickets in their own way. 

John and William McBride be- 
came angered during, one session, 
being' particularly . excited over a 
clause in the proposed control plan 
put forth by Philip Wittenberg, a 
New York attorney. They objected 
to the idea that any ticket alloted 
to their agency, if found in another 
broker's hands would be presump- 
tive evidence of violation and might 
lead to suspension. 

McBrides, Postal-Leblang and 
Tyson are ^for continuing the pres- 
ent rules, although during the win- 
ter they had criticised the Code 
Authority's system. 



Baltimore, 
Baltimore's this 
year ia a. return, of legit in double 
dose, both spots breaking the bar- 
rier tonight (2). Maryland hangs 
its first show this season with 'Dan- 
gerous Corner,' initialer of . 
secutlve shows Woe and Leyenthal 

are skeded to send in. 

No cut-rate or English pit system 
policies will be pursued, a straight 
dollar admission being the tap, and 
half that for matinees. As in prac- 
tice throughout the W. & L, wheel, 
the Maryland builds the sets, for 
each show. No public mention of 
stock affiliation, is being made, W. 
& L. also receiving ho formal billr 
irig as the shows' presenters. Plays 
are simply being hawked as ', road j 
shows. 

Fordls, UBO house, also relights 
tonight with the Charles Emerson 
Cook Players/ new resident stock 
troupe. Marks the first stock out 
fit in this theatre in six years, and 
that was a summer troupe. Cook's 
original group put in fifteen weeks 
up. at the Auditorium during mid 
winter, finally succumbing to a 
combination ot Lent and unfortu- 
nate weather breaks Feb. 24; 

Cook is tossing but the first ball 
with 'Men in White,' Harry Ellerbe 
and (Miss) Lee Patrick in the top 
spots, plus Calyln. Thomas, Joseph 
Eggenton, Lawrence Keating, Rosa- 
mund Merivale, Helen Pitt, Wallace 
Acton, Oscar Westgard, Daisy Lpv- 
ering and Allan Kaye. Addison Pitt 
is the stager. Prevailing 85 cent 
top nites and 40 cent mats will In- 
augurate a new low tariff for stock 
hereabouts. 



'Hell to Pay' Parker, 
Boston Transcript 
Vet Critic, Dies at 67 



HARTFORD IIOSW& L'S _ 

Hartford, Conn., April 2. 

Hartford is giving Parson's. Thea- 
tre a good bit of money on the Wee 
& Levcntlial stage presentations. 

Two shows so far - this season, 
one had Beverly Bayno and Herbert 
Rawlinson in 'Dangerous - Corners' 
and the other, Pauline Frederick 
in 'Her Mnjepty the Widow/ Both 
netted quite, a lilt of change, al- 
though the house was dark for elose, 



well done. One. special number, ato two years. 



'Hamlet' for Brooklyn 

Omaha, April 2. 

Hart Jenks, studio director of 
KOIL, Omaha, has been invited to 
play the role of Hamlet, in a pro- 
duction to be . presented by the 
Brooklyn Institute of Arts and 
T^iemWs^biT'Aprll "21T ~ " r — ~" 

Invitation to play the part was 
extended by J. Augustus Keogh, di- 
rector of productions at the insti- 
tute, who was formerly associated 
with Jenks in two seasons with 
Fritz Lienor's Shakespearean reper- 
tory company. 

Production will be given a mati- 
nee and an evening performance in 
honor of the anniversary of the 
Mrth of William Shakespeare. 



, April 2. 

Henry Tyler Parker, knOwn to 
Show folks . throughout the United 
States as H. T. P., one of the most 
authoritative and colorful drama- 
critics for the past 40 years,, died 
Friday (30) after a' week's illness, 
from pneumonia. 

H. T. P., as he signed himself, was 
on The Boston Transcript for 40 
years arid one of the few inter-urban 
editors of drama whose opinion was 
rated as meaning something. His 
reviews were always brutally frank 
and yet commanded respect from 
authors and managers. 

He was a colorful ividuallst. 
One of his pet phrases was 'Hell to 
Pay/ employing the initials of his 
name and for several decades it has 
been a dramatic biz legend that 
'Hell to Pay Parker says—/ 

He always wrote in longhand and 
never answered a telephone. Once 
a year he would come to New York, 
and always, stop at the Murray Hill 
hotel, preferably in a back room. 
Frequently, . too, he Went to London. 

After being in New York for some 
years as the Transcript correspond-: 
ent, he went to London for a few 
months in 1899 as representative of 
the Boston paper and the . New. York 
Globe. In 1903 he left the Tran- 
script to become, music and drama 
critic for the Globe in New. York, 
but two years later returned to his 
first love. He never wandered 
away, after that. 

Parker had a strong dislike, for 
censorship and wrote many virile 
and bitter articles oh the subject. 
His writings were decidedly of the 
old school, but outstandingly 
stylistic. 

He was a member of the Harvard 
Club of Boston and the Stage So- 
ciety in New York, and had entree 
to many exclusive clubs in sev- 
^al^uT'opean^caprtlSls. ~ T " ^ 

He Was unmarried and, 67 years 
old at the time he was stricken. 



'Following a recent ruling of the 
.Treasury Department that 40 cent 
admissions on passes to legit shows 
is tantamount . to cut-rates and 
therefore, calls for the payment to 
the government of 10% on the face, 
or box office, value of. the ticket, 
the New York collector of Internal 
Revenue is preparing a claim, for 
back taxes against theatres which 
have . . exacted "'service charges' on 
passes and against Leblang's cut- 
rate agency. 

Inspectors estimate that around 
$75,000 will be the.- total sought from 
Leblang's.. Amount claimed from 
managers using the pass tax collec- 
tion is. more or ..less undetermined. 
Among those principally concerned 
are the Shuberts, who started the 
system of collecting 40 cents per 
person on. 'free admissions,' describ- 
ing such levies as 'employees admis- 
sion,' 'employees beneficial 
fund* tax. 

It is hot believed that the intent 
of the law is such as ruled by the 
Treasury Department insofar as cut 
rates are concerned. Until it was 
decided that the letter of the rev- 
enue act called for 10%, on the ac- 
tual box office price, Leblang's did 
hot collect the tax. Since the agency 
did hot actually collect the full per- 
centage on its, cut-rate sales, it is 
expected that the claim will be 
settled for a lesser sum* 

Eisner's Argument 

At Washington, attorney Mai- 
Eisner, former tax collector in New 
York, appeared to argue against the 
Treasury ruling. He . was given five 
minutes, but presented a brief In 
which he. showed that tickets sold 
at cut-rates were accompanied, with 
taxes that really meant that the 
purchaser paid 20% instead of 10% 
— that if a $3 ticket is sold at half 
price in Leblang's. the new ruling 
calls for a tax; of 30 cents, whereas, 
it should hot be more than 15 cents. 
In other words tax is beihg col- 
lected on money not actually paid, 
he says. 

Since the ruling, Leblang's has 
been collecting on the. box office, or 
printed value, of tickets but on the 
reverse there Is a, stamp that the 
stubs should be retained; so that 
should the ruling be upset the pa- 
tron will be entitled to a refund. 

As regards the collection on 
passes, that money has actually 
been collected by the several man- 
agers using that practice. Under 
the ruling, if 40 cents U. collected on 
a ticket priced at $3, 30 cents is due 
the government. Doubtful, 'there- 
continued on page 58) 



CLUB BUYS 'OF THEE' 
PRODUCTION RIGHTS 



Springfield, Mass., April 2, 
•Of Thee I Sing' opened at the 
Court Square theatre tonight under 
the auspices of the Kiwanis Club, 
local talent as to cast and chorus 
being used, but with the original 
Sam H. Harris production. Man- 
ager was paid $2,000 for the use of 
the production* but It is likely the 
settings will remain .hjerer at the 
request of the showman- 
Cost of ringing up -the curtain Is 
estimated at not less than $7,000.. 
Show will be played six nights,. top 
being $3. While a profit on opera- 
tion is not expected, advertising In 
the souvenir programs approxi- 
mates $i 5,000... 

Show was staged by Bib Day, 
former stock manager. Last season 
the Kiwanis staged 'Show Boat' 
here; 



'Yoske Kalb' on Coast 

Los Angeles, April 2. 

Maurice Schwartz comes Into the 
Biltmore for a week starting April 
30, in his Yiddish play, 'Yoshe Knlb.' 

It's hlH first trip ot the ('oast. 



Dallas Stock 

Dallas, April 2. 

Boyd B. Trousdale's Players open- 
ed Sunday (1) at the newly, mod- 
ernlzed Uptown, 

Stock company had been playing, 
at. the President, Des Moines. 



SEATTLE'S 1ST OPERA 

-. — Seattle-^nril.-2 

JSeattle will have its first taste of 
gr'arid opera at pop prices for five 
days, opening April 23, when the 
San Carlo Grand Opera Company 
will be at the civic auditorium. 
Prices scale from 155 cents to $1.10. 

Eli'sson-Wh'ite is presenting, with 
Bill McCurdy handling in north- 
west, including Portland, Seattle 
and Vancouver, B. O. Advance sale 
looks big. 



56 



TARiBTy'S' i-ondon officii 

8 St. Martin's Place, Trafalgar Square 



FOREIGN! SHOW NEWS 



Cable Addrest: YARIETT, LONDON 
Telephone: Temple Bar 8041-5042 



Paris Legit Gets Second Breath; 
'Races a Smash, 'White Horse Inn' 
Nears Record; Tovaritch' Strong 



Paris, March 24. 
With the the; Horse 

Show-. rand Palais, the real 

Paris season is on, is 
busily scrambling to make up for 
the time is winter. Mild 

weather, plenty of taxis ana political 
calm— momentary, least,— are 
lenty, and business is com- 
ing back closer to what used to be 
considered normal. 

the plays which caught 
by opening at the 
ht time is 'La Porteuse de Pain* 
('The Baker's Girl'),, melodrama 
which the 



Ambigu 



of 



No Silent Keys 

Barcelona, March 24. 
... Police were, called to the 
Teatro Romea when Roland 
Dorsay, French m.c, refused 
to go on with his orchestra 
becau.se the house was empty. 

Managers insisted oh his 
•playing the empty seats,, 
and when the cops .came he 
played. 



talk of Paris Fair 
Again; Was Dropped 
For Lack of Coin 



London Gives Razz to 
Yank 'Double Door' 

, March 24. 

Elizabeth McFadden's "Double 
Door,' produced at the Globe, March 
21, proved a splendid vehicle for 
Sybil Thorridike. BUt the play it- 
self was greeted with derisive 
laughter. 

American import may have a, 
short run oh strength of Miss 
Thorndike's performance, however.. 





VAUDE WITH 

7 



London, March 24. 
Latest to declare open war against 
the British Broadcasting Corpora- 
tion is Charles Cochran. He told 
the chain that as long as James 
Agate Is its 'theatrical critic he will 
not extend it any seat courtesies. 

Cochran even went as far as to 
say that he will bar all his artists 
from broadcasting while Agate is in. 
But the B.B.C. is adamant. 




which at the Renaissance last week 
was . a happy inspiration. It is a 
sombre, weepy piece, and they love 
it. Comes close to being a French 
•Uncle Tom's Cabin.' 

Not a small part of the success 
of the piece is due to the acting of 
Marcelle Genlat, who is everything 
a melo needs. She came into heavy 
public attention this year by run- 
ning away with the show in 
•Pranzini,' play about a murder 
trial, which. ran earlier in the season 
at the Ambassadeurs. 

Another new success, of a di r 
ent type, is Bruckner's ^Raees,' cur- 
rently running at the Oeuvre, little 
theatre. . In a French adaptation by 
Renee Cave. This little house, situ- 
ated! in a Mbntmartre courtyard, 
with wooden . seats minus most of 
their .paint and a curtain which 
needs darning in spots, puts on some 
„of the (Inest productions In town, 
and it has rung the bell with its 
presentation of this German piece. 
No Demonstrations 
Piece is a nightly sellout. 
Strangely enough, there are no 
demonstrations. Paris audiences al- 
most invariably use theatres to 
show their political opinions, when 
the piece has any sort- of a political 
angle, and whistling and cheers 
would normally be expected at a 
Bho.w like 'Races.' 

Outstanding performances are de- 
livered by Raymond Maurel, Ray- 
mond Rouleau, and Tariia Bala- 
chova. Only fighting -about the 
play is in aesthetic circles, a group 
led by Jean Cocteau contending 
that Bruckner missed when he con- 
centrated on a pergonal story, leav- 
ing the big racial movement as 
mere background. 

Another recent opening which 
caught them right is Georges Berr's 
comedy, 'Mon Crime,' at the 
Varietes, which is hailed as one. of 
the big laugh producers in town. 
It is full of local French and cur- 
rent events angles. 

Of the old ones Jacques Deval's 
•Tovaritch" at the Paris, hailed at 
the . outset of the season as a hit, 
is still going strong. Dostoievsky's 
'Crime and Punishment,' a hangover 
• from- last year at Gaston Baty's 
Montparnasse, seems eternal.- 
Charles Pullih at the Atelier is 
still playing Shakespeare's 'Richard 
Iir,' but he has an adaptation of an- 
other old English play .in rehearsal, 
ready' spring when grosses 
dwindle. 

Aftiong musicals,. 'White 

Horse Tavern' at the Mpgador, an 
Erik Chareir production, is showing 
no . weakening and may break rec 
ords for a run, although the. bid 
marks set at this house by 'Rose 
Marie,' and 'No, No Nanette,' will 
take a lot of licking. Relnhardt's 
'Fledermaus' is still at the Pigalle, 
and the. Lehar show, 'The Land of 
Smiles," holds Catriens* 'Galte- 
Lyjique' without .let-up, with 
Wily Thunis doing the leading 
tenor job. 

'Passage des Priries,' the Charles 
Mere operetta with Offenbach 
music has held up well at the 
raffelplne; - but Is^noarTng the - end 



March 24. 

Sir Oswald Stoll has decided to 
give, vaudeville, which first made 
his name, another chance. Encour 
aged by the success at his Chlswlck 
Paris March 24 | Empire, where vaudeville has been 
Heavy campaign is 'on to revive cleaning up after several other 
the idea of a 1937 exposition, .pre- types of entertainment, he Is now 
viously dropped for lack of cash, instituting a real variety drive at 
Paris Municipal Council says that most of his houses, 
although the National Government Biggest venture is the Intended 
won't put up the money, It will try reversion to variety at the Alham 
to find some in the. city budget, hra. House goes back to that 
Decision is expected in mid- April, policy on April 9, with agents being 

Delegation of Senators also i a requested to submit acts, 
calling on Premier Doumergue, who Other Stoll houses "turning to 
has dictatorial budget powers, to the same policy < ire Wood^ Green 
urge him to loosen up, oh the Empire, Ardwlck Empire and 
grounds that business men need the Hippodrome, Bristol. This coupled 
s how with Hackney Empire and SheP- 

Present plans would have the U^d's iBush Empire, gives the Stoll 
show in the center of Paris. Arts K rcu " cons , ecu "1*^ niS 

and crafts, especially those of the Alhambra will P^bably play 
French peasants and workers, would acts f °J a fortnight making him . a 
be featured. A lottery scheme Is | P 0 ^ r 3 * 0 .™ c *° n , 
favored to aid financing 



New Star 

Kit-Kat management has decided 
to establish Teddy Joyce as. a per- 
manent star. He has made good 
with his band to such an extent' that 
club feels! warranted in taking, this, 
attitude. 

Joyce's picture Is displayed oh all 
the subway stations, on buses and 
in the newspaper advertising/ and 
eyeryonels happy. 



CAB CALLOWAY'S 13G 
IN GLASGOW; ON CONT. 



No doubt Stoll will soon begin to 
import acts from America, and 
looks like he has a good chance. 
Jack Marshall, formerly assistant to 
Llewellyn John, Is in complete 
charge of the bookings, and he 
seews to have a- flair for modern 
requirements. 

Stoll has loosened and has 
given the boys a freer hand, a thing 
he has not done in years. New 



Bad Start 

•Magnolia Street/ currently at 
Adelphi theatre, nearly closed after 
nine days. Opened to very bad 
business, after divided press opin- 
ions, with Charles Cochran perturb- 
ed. During the week grosses picked 
up daily, with Saturday's business 
around $2,500. Show's entire week's 
gross was Just over $7,600, leaving 
Cochran $600 in red. .Length of run 
is entirely dependent oh this week's 
business; 

Another show that came near 
folding on Saturday, March 17, was 
Here's How,' at the Savllle. Show 
never really got - going, with several 
bankrolls requisitioned. Members 
of cast, Including pit orchestra, were 
asked to slice, salaries by 60%. 
After a lot of excitement back- 
stage, it was decided to accept, with 
show , carrying on. For how long, 
nobody knows. 



London, April 2. 

Cab Calloway closed . Sunday (1) 

at the Empire, Glasgow, with the regime has also instituted , an open 
gate bringing the house 2,200 pounds book, meaning any agent is wel- 
($13,000) for the seven days. come, providing he has anything to 

Goes to ParamoUnt's Manchester I offer. 
Astoria on guarantee and percent 
age, and follows this with a week 
at the. Carlton Hotel, Amsterdam, 
after which he plays one-night 
stands in Antwerp, Brussells, Rot- 
terdam and The Hague. 

On April 23 and 24 he gives re- 
citals at the Salle Pleyel, Paris, 
where he is presented by Harry 
Foster. Next day he embarks on 
the 7 He de France for New York. 



MOLNAfi WRITING TWO 



New 



Short Plays Will 
Double Bill 



Go into 



'Annina' in Czech 

Prague, March 24. 

Rudolf Friml's new operetta, 'An- 
nina,' was presented in the . Slovak 
National Theatre In Bratislava, Slo- 
vakia, March; 17. Czechoslovakia Is 
the first country in Europe to 
stage it. 

It is ret'itled 'Ninon' here. 



Besnard Quits French 

A.S.C. ; CaUSeS Turmoil I flvr'short'scenes, and will be en- 

I tuiAfi «Th« PaHtrv Cook's Wife/ 



Budapest, March. .23. 
Ferenc Molnar Is here completing 
two new plays which are to be pro- 
duced for the first time by the Mag- 
yar' theatre here early in October. 
One of them is 'A Night in May,' a 
farcical comedy in two scenes. The 
other, in a more serious vein, has 



Paris, March 24. 
Considerable turmoil has resulted 
in local literary and theatrical cir 
cles as a result of the resignation 
of Gulllaume Besnard, one of the 
three general agents of the Societe 
des Auteurs et Compositeurs, 
through whom the sale of rights to 
French literary, dramatic and musi 
cal works Is handled. " " T 
. Besnard has. been gone since 
March 7. He handled an important 
group of French authors, including 
Marcel Pagnol,. Paul Achard and 
d'Annunzlo among the contemporary 
writers, and Edmond Rostand and 
Victor. Hugo among the old-timers. 

Just what will happen .to- the 
writers on Besnard's string Is not 
known. Probably they will be 
divided between Alfred Bloch and 
Serafih Bianchtni, two remaining 
general agents of the Societe. The 
position of these two In regard to 
the purchase of rights to plays and 
books will thus be considerably 
strengthened. 



titled 'The Pastry 
Both have Budapest backgrounds. 

Molnar is discussing casting pos 
slbiltttes -with Eugene Heltai; man- 
ager of the Magyar theatre; Marglt 
Dayka will probably be cast in the 
name part of 'Pastry Cook's Wife,' 
and Maria Lazar may play the lead 
in the other comedy, opposite to 
Gozon, with Eugene Torzs figuring 
in both. 



Former German Czechs 
Group for Protection 

Prague, March 24 
.... Artists," and. singers., of. German. 



F. Friedinaim-Frederich, 
Star Discoverer, Dies 



Prague, March 24. 
Fritz Frledmanh - Frederlch, the 
former director of the Metropole 
theatre, Berlin, and author of sev- 
eral plays, died here last week 
after two months' illness. 

Friedmann -Frederlch . Ger 
manny after the establishment of 
the Hitler regime. lie was the man 
ager who discovered Richard 
Tauber and Gitta Alpar, among 
others. 



BEST SPANISH PLAY 

Madrid, March 24 
Espinosa Cortina rize of 4,000 



nationality but who are Czecho- Pestas, awarded every Ave years by 
Slovak. citizen?, although, they were' the Spanish Academy for the best 



formerly employed in Germany, 
have formed an organization, with 
headquarters. In Prague, to protect 
their interests, and to oppose the 
plan of the German government to 
control their activities from Berlin. 
Among the members of this or- 



dramatlc work during the. period, 
was conceded to Jose Maria Peman 
for his religious * play, 'El Divino 
Impaclente' •' {The— -impatient Di 
vine'). 

It was judged the best piece pro- 
duced during the 1929-1933 stretch 



ganlzation, formerly prominent in Peman was known as a poet and 



Germany, are Director Carl Mel.n- 
hardt, Tilly De Garmo. Josef Bunzl 
and Paul Lewitt. 



I orator until he wrote 'Divine', his 
•first contribution to the stage. He 
I Is now a member of parliament. 



Cochran Warring With B. B. G; 
Kit Kat Makes Joyce a Star 



good vaudeville rneat^ Boys are a 
riot for the sophisticated, but not 
for family gatherings. Some of 
their , material must rouse the 
censor's wrath. 

Maisie Weldon, daughter of Harry 
Weldon, is now doing mimicry* 
Scratch a. mimic and you find.. a. 
Garbo. Her best are Zasu Pitts and 
Jessie Matthews. Gal has possibil- 
ities and should Improve . with ex- 
perience. 

Harold Boyd and his Jig- Saws 
have some good sight comedy, 
which Is vfhat is needed here. 



Sailors at Savoy 
Three Sailors duplicated their 
Palladium success at . the Savoy 
cabaret. Tracy and Hay, also at 
the latter, had trouble with music; 
arrangements from 'Roberta' and 
'As Thousands Cheer' having been 
stopped by local copyrlghters, which 
necessitated new music arrange-: 
ments. But despite that got over 
nicely; 



Good Spy Play 

Spy play by Percy Robinson and 
Frederick Peisley was given a try- 
out at the 'Q' theatre, March 19. 
Titled TJanse Macabre,' founded on 
the life and death of* Mata Hart, 
continental spy. 

Marie Burke has the title role, 
which Is most dramatic in parts, 
and her acting revealed a number 
of impressive moments .in a com- 
pany of 40. Indications are this 
play may come to the West End 
shortly. 



Czech German Theatre 
Reorganizing; Too tough 

Prague, March 26. 

German theatre's of Czeehoelo- 
vakia, located in the numerous Ger- 
man sections, owing to the political 
crisis ahd reduction of state ahd 
municipal subsidies, have suffered 
greatly in the last year and are in 
financial difficulties. 

Dr. Basch, director of . the Carls- 
.bad municipal theatre, has just as- 
sumed the general management of 
the important city theatres in.. 
Marlenbad and Reichenberg, and 
his companies will appear in the 
three leading cities of northwest 
and. north Bohemia. That's . the 
first important switch. 

Not yet been decided under what 
conditions the New German Theatre 
of Prague will be conducted in the 
next theatrical season, but here; too, 
a management switch is anticipated. 



Dull Revival 

More than half-a-dozen years ago 
Ernest Truex presented 'Good 
Morning, Bill* in London. It was 
evived at Daly's M&rch 20 by Peter 
Haddoh, who is in the principal role. 

Difficult to imagine a more perfect 
cast than the present one, but the 
Wbdehouse dialog is definitely dat- 
ed, and the pointed jokes, therefore, 
haven't the same snap as when orig- 
inally seen- Looks as . if the revival 
will have a brief session of pros- 
perity. 



France on the Up 



Paris, March ,24. 

Reviving spirits of this country 
shown by success of .Little White 
Beds Ball, which took place at the 
Opera Tuesday night (20) after 
having been postponed, at the last 
minute, from the night of the big 
riots, February 6. 

Among entertainers who contrib- 
uted their services were Serge 
Lifar, dancer; the Blue Bell Girls; 
line from the Paramount Theatre; 
some of. Max Relnhardt's 'Fieder- 
maus' cast, and Mihtinguett ahd a 
troupe from the Folles Bergere. . 

Ball is an annual society event, 
and crowd this year was one of 
largest and most enthusiastic on 
record. 



Pavilion Bill 

London Pavilion bill, week of 
March 19, Is saved from mediocrity 
by the inclusion of three American 
acts. Paul and Walter Brlant score 
splendidly "with their coinedy acro- 
batics, despite having had many Im- 
itators since their last trip here. 

Ganjou brothers and Juanlta, in 
their' 'Romance in Porcelain,' have 
been here nearly a year, but are 
still the classiest of adagioists. Act 
had the usual, trouble with the pit 
orchestra, encountered here by 
many, and found it difficult to con- 
centrate on their work with an eye 
on the leader. Despite this hind- 
rance, they were given; a good re- 
ception, 

Hazel Mahgean Girls were an- 
other act almost marred by the 
stage band, which Is used for the 
second half of the program, but 
came through well. 

Of the native talent, only ones 
meaning anything were Danny 
Malorte, Irish singer, whose only 
trouble seems to be what to do with 
his hands, and Vine, More and 
N eyard . three _ boys -re : nderlng-har ^. 
mohy numbers, with one at the 
piano. 



Madrid Art Theatre 

Plans O'NeUl Play 

Madrid, March 23. 

Art theatre group formed by 
Cipriaho Riyas Cherif, playwright, 
under name of 'Teatro Escuela de 
Art' ('School of Theatrical Art') and 
has organized a subscription season 
at Maria Guerrero theatre. 

First presentations include trans- 
lation of ah Q'NeUl play by RIcardo 
Baeza, 'La Decantada Vida y Muerte 
del General Malbru' ('The Exager- 
rated Life and Death of General 
.Malbru'), and 'Pon Galferos y las 
Busconas de Madrid' ('Don Galferoa 
and the Madrid Filchers') of Qui- 
nones de Benavente. 



Holborn Empire 

Newcomers at Holborn Empire 
are Will Fyffe-— buclc in vaudeville- 
after 40 weeks with r Give Me a 
Ring' and pantomime. Fyffe renders 
two cameos, the Stationmaster and 
Stevedore; both to good results. 

Four Yacht Club Boys, doubling 
from Monselgneur restaurant, and 
headlining, score nicely, but are not 



Madrid Nitery Biz 

Madrid, March 24. 

'Casa. Blarica' (White House'),, 
class nitery, is trying something 
new to attract biz. Huge glass cage 
lining upper part of a wall filled 
with monkeys, pigeons and canaries 
in separate compartments so the 
spenders- and=^theg;£r!s^can=amuse- 
themselves during their bored mo- 
ments by watching the contortions 
of the monks and the birdies. 

To top off the classy decorations, 
Cas a Blanca has a revolving and 
T^rig' s'fagF'f or itSTthrCB orchestras 
^ja7.z, tango and waltz— so that the 
orchestral changes can be effected 
without loss. of time or music. 

Casa Blanca Is owned by town's 
leading Jewelers, the Sanz brothers, 
who also operate a block-deep mod- 
ernistic .cafe, the 'Aquarium.' 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



LEGITIMATE 



VARIETY 



57 



Holy Week No Bugaboo 



(Continued from page l) 

Saturday afternoon arid evening 
Jurtailed the night trade although 
Afternoon attendance was excellent 
Ind several hits drew the limit of 
standees. Had the weather been 
better on Saturday the legits would 
have made an even better showing. 

There was an influx Into New 
York, some visitors coming from 
fairly distant points, School holi- 
days in the surrounding territory 
was a factor. Not a (few Canadians 
swelled the . visitors' total and at 
least several mldtown hotels were 
jammed ' with guests. Parity of 
Canadian and American dollars, 
plus reduced excursion fares, were 
factors. This week most of Broad 
way's shows are adding extra mat 
Inees, some on Easter Monday (2) 
and others at the mid-week (Wed 
■ nesday and Thursday). 

'As Thousands Cheer* grossed as 
much as any normal Woek ' since 
opening and counted $27,000. 'Fol- 
lies' grossed about as much, tying 
for leadership. There was a dual 
tie for the best dramatic grosses,, 
also, 'Mary of , Scotland' and 'Pods- 
worth' both getting $23,000. 'She 
Loves Me Not' was out in front of 
the previous week despite the big 
rain and did a material jump. 
Among others which stepped up 
were 'Ah Wilderness' and 'Yellow 
Jack'. 

30 on B' way 

There are 30 attractions in New 
York including the incoming card 
but not counting two grand opera 
troupes at pop prices. The Ringling 
circus is at Madison . Square Gar- 
den, starting slowly as usual. A 
new attraction which may bid for 
legit patronage is the 'Casino Va- 
rieties' which debutted Monday. 
Two repeats have been added to 
the list in 'Peace on Earth' and 
'Pour Saints, .in Three Acts'. 

Single premiere last week, 'One 
More Honeymoon', at the Little, 
didn't mean a ing. 'Another 
Love', Variderbilt, and 'Gentle- 
woman', Cort, dropped out last 
Saturday. 'They Shall Not Die' is 
due off this Saturday at the Royale. 
Estimates for Last Week 

'Ah, Wilderness/ Guild (27th 
week) (CD-914r$3.30). Actually 
went . up . during the most unusual 
Holy Week, and the gross approx 
imated $12,000, despite bad Satur 
day weather. 

'All the Kino's Horses,' imperial 
ttpth week) (M-l,468-$3.36), Third 
Change of lead comic .has. Billy 
House in cast succeeding Bernard 
Granville; paced around $10,000 and 
bettered an even break. 

'Another Love,' Vanderbilt. With 
drawn - Saturday; played two red 

'As Thousands Cheer,' Music Box 
(27th week) (R-l,000-$4.40). As 
big as any eight performances since 
smash revue opened; went around 
$27,000 looks cinch as new season 

'Big Hearted Herbert', iltmore 
(14th week) (C-991-$2.75); Among 
laugh shows, making "money; mod- 
erate takings at around $6,000 are 
profitable. 

'Brain Sweat,' Longacre (1st 
week) (D-l,019-$2.76). Presented 
by Henry Stern and James Mont- 
gomery; written by John Charles 
Brownell; opens Wednesday (4). 

'Dodswbrth,' Shubert (6th week) 
(CD-l,387-$3.30). Maintained cork- 
ing pace with capacity the rule 
throughout week and the takings 
close to $23,000. 

'Follies,' Winter Garden . (14th 
week) (R-l,493-$4.40). Expected to 
run to July with 'The Family Al- 
bum' a possible summer revue; 




IN SMART NEW GARB 




The non'smarting, tear'proof, per- 
fectly harmless mascara preferred 
by the profession for seventeen 
years, is now contained in an 
ultra'SDOatt polished gold and scarf 
let metal case. Black, Brown or 
Blue ... still 75c at all leading 
toilet goods counters. 

MASCARA 



business around $27,000 and. profit- 
able, 

'Gentlewoman,' Cort. Taken off 
Saturday; played week and half. 

'Her Master's Voice,' Plymouth 
(24th week) <C-l,O42-$3.30); Fig- 
ured around $7,000 last, week; just 
better than even break; but due to 
stick through April; 

'House of Remsen/ Miller/ (1st 
week) (CD-944-$2.75). Presented by 
Nicholas Soussanin; written by 
William- J, Perelniann and Marie 
Baumer; opened Monday (2); 

'Mary of Scotland,' Alvin (19th 
Week) (i)-l,387-$3:30). Held to big 
money that has kept' it at head of 
non-musicals; $23,000, remarkable 
for run drama during Holy Week. 

'Men>in White,' Broadhurst (28th 
week) (D-l,118-$2.76). Presented in 
stock in half dozen stands; orig- 
inal company slated to play out 
season; $11,000 estimated. 

'Moor Born/ Playhouse (1st 
week) (D-896-$3l30). Presented by 
Bushar and Tuerk; written by. Don 
ToCheroh; opens tonight (3) With 

'New Faces/ Fulton (4th week) 
(R-900-$3.30). Intimate revue held 
or slightly bettered, starting pace; 
with takings around $10,000 should 
make grade; modest operating nut. 

'No More Ladies/ Morosco (11th 
week) (C-96l-$2JT5). Among best 
the list offers; class laugh show 
holding to good money, approxlmat 
ing $11,000. 

'One More Honeymoon/ Little 
(1st week) (C-530-$2.76). Opened 
Saturday (31) and drew severe pan- 
ning; surprise it resumed Monday. 

'Pursuit of Happiness' Avon (26th 
week) (C-830-$2.76). One of 
finds among last summer's rural 
try-outs and due to last out season; 
around $5,000, but okay. . 

'Roberta', New Amsterdam (20th 
week) (M-l>717-$3.30).. Little dif- 
ference in business last Week and 
forecast to play through coming 
Summer; $24,000.. 

'Sailor . Beware', Lyceum (28th 
week) (C-923-$3.30). Held to same 
pace as with most others last week; 
estimated around $9,000. 

'She Loves Me Not', 46th St, 
(24th week) (C-l,413^$2.76). Con 
siderably ahead last week until . Sat 
urday's downpour, but went over;] 
$18,000; leading laugh show* 

•Sing and Whistle', Forrest (8th 
week) (C-l,057-$2.76). Using vari- 
ous types of cut rates and getting 
by at small money; estimated 
around. $3,000. 

'The Perfumed Lady*, Ambassa 
dor (4th week) (C-l,166-$3.30). Not 
sure after this week; similarly cut 
rated to taking approximately 
$3,000. 

'The Shattered Lamp', Elliot (3rd 
week) (D-1,864^$2.7B). Controver- 
sial drama with Nazi theme appears 
questionable stage fare; estimated 
under $3,000. 

'The Shining Hour*, Booth (8th 
week) (D-708-$3.30). Tapered off 
. softiewhat last week at $9,600; but 
plenty for. imported drama and en- 
gagement should go through May, 
'The Wind and the Rain', Ritz 
(10th week) (D-918-$3.30). Moder- 
ate cost show getting that kind of 
coin; with cut prices aiding paced 
at around $4,600. 

'They Shall Not Di \ Royale (7th 
week) (D-900-$3.30). Final week; 
strong upstairs but- lower floor light 
after subscriptions expired; despite 
unusual attention, about $8,000, 
hardly profitable. \ 

'Tobacco Road', 48th St. (18th 
veek) (D-969-$3.30). Makings ex- 
cellent profits and holding to $9,000 
or better weekly; not smash but 
definite success; 

'Wife . Insurance', Barrymore 
Postponed; due out of town next 
week ; before Broadway presentation. 

'Yellow Jack', Martin Beck (Bth 
week) (D-1,214-$2.7B). Only Satur 
day's weather prevented gross top 
ping $10;000; close to that figure, 
takings going up $800. 

Other Attractions 
'Casino Varieties', Casino (for 
merly Earl Carroll) ; vaudeville type 
revue; opened Monday matinee; 
night top $1.66. ■ . 

'Peace on Earth', 44th Street; up 
town after 16 weeks at 14th Street 
„ 'Four Saints in Three Acts', Em- 
pire; repeat date. 

Grand Opera, Broadway; pop 
opera started Sunday (1). 

Grand Opera, Hippodrome;, pop 
opera also opened Sunday. 

'The Drunkard', American Music 
Hall; revival with beer and eats. 

The Mikado', Majestic; first of 
Gilbert .and Sullivan revivals; 
opened Monday. 

$2,500 for Tom Show 



Life in Boston 



Boston, April 2. 
Decidedly more lively on the 
rialtb. Met opera begins a week's 
stay at the Boston Opera House to- 
night, practically a sellout for the 
week already. Jane Cowl in 'Sweet 
Bells Jangled' is a. newcomer at the 
Plymouth; and Wee & Leventhal 
put on 'The Dark Tower' at Hollis,. 
on the usual 40-Cerit courtesy pass 

.'My Maryland' is at the Shubert 
for a second week. Next week Bos- 
tori. Opera House will get Monte 
Carlo Ballet Russe for four days, 
and seat sale is extremely heavy in 
advance.' Lehar's 'Gypsy Love' will 
be revived'at the Shubert April 14 
under the title of 'As the - .Moon 
Rises.' 



Current Road Shows 

Week of April 2 



MASK. WIG SHfl 
,000 IN 





Philadelphia, April 2 
. Four houses are open for Easter 
week, with, prospects Of fairly good 
business all along, the line. 

Mask arid Wig Club of the Uhi 
versity of Pennsylvania broke an 
old custom by opening at. the Gar- 
rick Saturday ■ afternoon. That 
means it will play ten performances. 
Former plan was to open in Atlantic 
City. Saturday before Easter and 
come in to Philly Easter Monday 
Terrific rainstorm hurt both Satur- 
day performances, but .indications 
are' for a pretty good week— prob- 
ably better than last year. Likely 
$26,000 at the $3 top. 

Monte Carlo Ballet Russe, which 
recently had three highly profitable 
performances at the Academy of 
Music is back in town — this time at 
the Forrest for a week. Advance 
reported at fc-tter than $6,600 which 
indicates a swell week. 

Two cut-rate houses should also 
cash in on the Easter Week pick-up 
Broad has 'The ureen Bay Tree' 
with both critics and patrons won- 
dering how that subtle and delicate 
piece can be handled by a nameless 
second company. Erlanger has sec 
ond week of 'Every Thursday.' 

Next week's arrivals are *My 
Maryland,' umpty-umpth time here, 
at the Forrest, and 'The Party's 
Over/ another try-out, at the Erlan- 
ger. 'The Whirlwind,' still another 
new one; comes on April 16. : 

Forrest plans to have a series, of 
light-opera revivals following 'My 
Maryland' at a $1.60 top^ Next will 
probably be 'Gypsy Love.' 

Estimates f L*st Week 

"Biography' (Broad). Whale .of a 
fine business for this one and man- 
agement tried at the last minute to 
hold it. The $8,600 was remarkable 
for Holy Week. 'Green Bay Tree 
in now for two weeks. 

'Every Thursday' (Erlanger), First 
week had $5,000— well under recent 
pace for this cut-rate house. Holds 
this Week and then another new 
one, 'The Party's Over.' 

'Races' (Chestnut). In second and 
last week got only $6,000 despite aid 
of subscriptions. Taken off for good 
Saturday. House goes dark for in- 
definite period. 

'Sweet Bells Jangled' (Forrest). 
Good notices for this Jane Cowl 
play but not much biz. Maybe 
$4,000. This week Monte Carlo 
Ballet Russe. 



'Annina,' Nixon, Pittsburgh. 
'Ballet Russe/ Forest, Philadel- 
phia. 

Biography,' Los An- 

'Bob Ray,' Music Box, Hollywood. 
'Dangerous Corner,' Maryland, 
Baltimore. 

'Dark Tower,' Hollis, Boston. 
•Elizabeth leeps Out/ Stude- 
baker, Chicago. 

Eva L'e Gallienne Repertory* 
Paramount, Austin, Texas, April -2;. 
Majestic, Houston, S.-.4:; Baylor Uni- 
versity, Waco, 5; Melba, Dallas, 6-7. 

* Every Thursday/ Erlanger, Phila- 
delphia. 

'Green. Bay Tree/ 
delphia. 

Katharine Cornell 
bert, Cincinnati. 
'Men i White/ Ford's Baltimore. 
'Men in White, El Capltan, Los 
Angeles. . 

Metropolitan Opera* Boston Opera 
House. 

? My Maryland/ Shubert, Boston, 
'Reunion in Vienna/ Royal Alex- 
andra, Toronto. 

Richard of National, 
Washington. 

'Sweet Bells Jangled/ louth, 
Bostori. 

'Take a Chance/ Mayan, Los An- 

'The House of Rothschild' (film) 
Majestic! Bostori. 

'The Curtain Rises/ ieago. 
'The Shi ing Hour/ .Chi- 
cago.- 

♦Thirty Thousand to Go/ Holly - 
town, Hollywood. 
Walter Hampden Repertory, 

Kingsbury Hall, Salt Lake City, 2; 
Lincoln, Cheyenne, 4; Broadway, 
Denver, 5-6-7 ... 

'White Cargo/ , Los An- 

geles. 



ONLY 2 SHOWS 
IN CHI GET 

$3,900 



lenin White at 
$4,750 Very Good; 
4 L A. Openings 



Omaha, April 2. 
Community Playhouse's produc 
tion ,of lU^cle Tom's Cabin^ proved 
the strongest grosser Trere "in ,tw<r 
seasons. Oldtimer established a 
two seasori record for capacity 
houses and also for total gross. 

Nine performances topped $2,600 
nearly $1,000 better than, the aver- 
I age production draws. Hun of nine 
showings is three more than usual, 
and would have been ten except 
that one night was cancelled out of 
courtesy to Katharine Cornell, play- 
ing 'The Barretts' here that night. 



'Corner* Fold* 

Baltimore, April 2. 
Wee and Leventhal's production 
of 'Dangerous Corner/ current at 
the Maryland, will call it a season 
Saturday (7) nite. 

Has been touring steadily since 
leaving the Waldorf, N. T., after a. 
summer of cut- rating, opening in 
Chicago Sept. 26. Toured UBO 
spots till W. & L. Inaugurated its 
stock rotating plan several months 
ago, of; which time 'Corner' was 
converted into stock through spe- 
cial permission from Equity. 

Blanche Bates and Herbert. Raw- 
linson are in 'Corner's' .ton. brackets. 

HAYWARD BUY 

Omaha, April 2. 
Option ' has been secured by the 
Leland HayWard Office on 'How 
Beautiful With Shoe.s/ dramatiza- 
tion - of -a. Harj). er-.m a gstory„:O f^ 
same name by Wilbur. Daniel Steele, 
Adaptation Is being done by Bernard 
Szold, • director of the Community 
Playhouse here, and Martin .Chicoin, 
newspaper writer. 

Hayward of flee has-' again- asked 
for a revision, on 'Brlgham Young/ 
Mormon story co-authored by Szold. 
and new manuscript already BUb-' 
mitted; 



Hollywood, April 2* 
All legit activity centered in 
Hollywood duririg Holy Week, with 
only two local houses open. 'Men in 
White* held strong at the El Cap- 
tain and enters Its third week with 
at least three more in sight. Second 
week's take, despite the Holy Week 
bugaboo, garnered a neat $4,760, 
which is plenty satisfactory. 

Only other house functioning is 
the Hollywood Playhouse, Where 
Leon Gordon liolds forth in his re- 
vival of 'White Cargo.' Second 
stanza Was close to the $2,000 mark, 
with a third to go. 

Legit opens up Urong during the 
current week. Alice Brady comes 
into the Biltmore tonight (Mori.) 
after two break-in days In San 
Diego with 'Biography.' New play, 
•Thirty Thousand to Go/ debuts 
Thursday (6) at the Holly town; 
following night brings Olsen and 
Johnson in 'Take a Chance/ to the 
Mayan under Fanchon & Marco 
sponsorship, and Saturday night 
sees a revival of 'Bob Roy' at Holly- 
wood Music Box. 

Pitt to Denver 

Denver, April 2, 
Addison Pitt, who directed the 
Elitch stock last year, has been 
signed again by Manager Arnold B. 
Gurtler for this year. Pitt is at 
present directing, a number of CWA 
productions in New York. 

No attempt has been made to get 
plays or players for. this season as 
yet. Gurtler will go to New York 
in May to organize the company and 
secure plays. 

Elitch park wilj open May 5, with 
all concessions and the dance floor 
going. Theatre will open the middle 
of June for a probable nine-week 
season. 



Chicago, April 2. 
Total legit gross of the only two 
shows in town last week Was $3,900, 
the lowest legit take in the history 
of Chicago as an incorporated city. 

Two plays were 'Elizabeth Sleeps 
Out' at the Studebaker which col- 
lected' $1,900 iri its 10th week in 
town and 'The Curtain Rises' at the 
COrt which managed $2,000 for its 
11th week in the loop. Both are 
voted weakies. , 

Only other legit attraction in 
town is the non-rpro 'Girls in Uni- 
form' at the Blackstone, which can t 
cpme under the prof essiorial theatre 
heading. • , • 

Situation in the loop is proving 
again that competition is the life of 
show business and that as soon as 
competition is lacking, so is busi- 
ness. Despite the fact that there 
are only two shows in town to col- 
lect show money from 4,000,000 peo- 
ple, these two shows are limping 
instead of packing 'em in. 

Meanwhile the source of supply, 
the road shows, grow less and less 
able to keep the Chicago theatres 
filled. Managers are frankly hesi- 
tant about footing the bill for a 
tour of the midwest since, if Chi- 
cago fades, the entire hope for a., 
successful midwest tour vanishes. 

'Shining Hour' with Conrad Nagel 
and Violet Hemlng opened last 
night at the Selwyn at $2.20 top. 
Shuberts learned their bitter lesson 
about $1.60 cut-rates with the 'Ten 
Minute Alibi' brodle and Max Gor- 
don presents the 'Hour' at regula- 
ti QTi rfl-tcs » 

By May 1, however, some upturn 
should be expected with The Ameri- 
can Theatre Society's "Richard of 
Bordeaux' production at the Er- 
langer and Jeritza in 'Arinlna' at the 
Grand. 

Estimates for Last Week 
'Elizabeth Sleeps Out/ Stude- 
baker (C-1,260; $1.69) (11th week). 
Closed April 14 after a successful 
stay. Last week $1,900, which is on 
the margin. ■ 
'8hining Hour/ Selwyn (C-1,040; 
$2.20) (1st week). Opened last 
night (1) with advance sale en- 
couraging on the star names and 
New York reports. . . 

'The Curtain Rises/ Cort (C-1,100; 
$1.60) <12th week). Advertising last 
weeks' and figuring to move by 
April 14 at the latest. Show has 
gone along on party sales. Last 
week $2,000, which is getting it 
down too loW for comfort. 

Other Attractions 
'Girls in Uniform' Blackstone. 
Had some discussion with Equity 
but the actors union Anally agreed 
to let the non-pro show run along. 



Engagements 



Lillian Miles, Florlne McKinney, 
Olsen and Johnson's ?Take a 
Chance,' Mayan (L.A.). . 

Beatrice DeNeargaard, John Em- 
ery, ' ichard of Bordeaux.' 

Douglas Gilmore; Hans Hansen, 
Roberta Beatty, Emily Lowry> Ver- 
non Rich, Howard Miller, 'Broad- 
way Interlude.' 

Billy House, the Kings' 

Horses;- - •- - - - --••• » ••• ' ■■ 

Franc Hale, Jay Fassett, Horace 
Casselberry, Carleton Young, Eric 
Kalkhurst, Walter O, Hill, "Late 
Wisdom.' ^ 

Eric Dressier, 'Are You Decent?' 

Pauline Drake, Juanita Crosland, 
"Stanley Priced' William- Moran, 
Frank ancl Daphne Dfirien, David 
Lord, Wayne Forrest. Portia Df-ari 
and J'ran Wooilwin, 'I'nliUc Opin 
ion' (Rpr.tliKlit. Hollywood). 



Stock Back in Dallas 

Dallas, April 2. 

Uptown, shuttered two years ago 
after exit of the Hayden players r 
reopened Easter Sunday With an 
eight- week booking of the Boyd B. 
Trousdale stock company. 'The 
Family Upstairs' is starter. Leads 
in the Trousdale group are Lucille 
LaValliere, Ruth Whitemore and 
John Morris. 

Re-entry of the house into Dalla* 
theatrics cariie practically unher- 
alded, only one week's notice going 
to the public, the usual one month's 
bruiting completely dispensed with. 
J. S. Groves, an old hand on theatre 
row is backer of the show. 

Lucille Ryman's Idea 

San Francisco, April 2. 
Lucille Ryman from Pasadena, 
where she was assistant to Gilmour 
Brown at ..the Cohimunity Play- 
house, has token the tiny French 
theatre from Andre Feriier with the 
announced Intention of producing 
intention of producing new plays. 

She expects to make a play show- 
case out of the Washington street 
basement theatre, which is com- 
pletely equipped with all modern 
stage necessities^ . 




MGM STUDIOS 
CULVER CITY, CALIF. 



58 



VARIETY 



I I Y ER ATI 



Tuesdays April 3, 1934 



Hearst Buys Balto. Post 

The. Baltimore >Tews, a Hearst 
pjn. sheet, has bought and absorbed 
an afternoon rival, The Post, from 
.Scripps-H'owar d. Only staff mem- 
bers taken over by The News are 
Louis Azrael, general-topic column- 
ist; a political scrivener; a hoss 
selettter. and a sbbbie. :Rest are 
but. 

post a steady loser 

since 1922. About a 

month ago group of Scripps -How- 
ard execs visited Baltimore, b.o.'d 
the sltuash, and after futile efforts 
to buy either The News or 
die Sun, sold out to the former for 
a reported $560,000. 

•Its. now The Balto. News and The 
Post. Still sells for two cents and 
ad rates haven't been hiked. This 
leaves the town with just two after- 
noon rags and a solo in the dawn- 
ing, others being the a.m. and p.m. 
Suns: 



Best Sellers 



Best Sellers for the week ending March 31, as reported by the 
American News Co., Inc. 



» • « • • • • t 



Lion Feuchtwanger 
...By Hervey Allen 
By Fannie Hurst 
. . ....... By Erls Llnklater 

By Margaret Ayer BarneB 
, . ', . . By Lauren Gilflllan 



'Oppermans, ($2.50) 
•Anthony Adverse' ($3.00) 
'Anitra's Dance* ($2.50) . ... 
'Magnus Merrlman' ($2.50) . 
'Within This. Present' ($2.50) 
'I Went to Pitt College' ($2.60) 

Non- 

'While Rome Burns* ($2.75) ...... , By Alexander Woollcott 

•Robber Barons' ($3.00) .By Matthevr Josephson 

'100,000,000 Guinea Pigs' ($2.00) By Arthur Kallet and F. J. SchUnk 

'Native's Return* ($2.75) V. ... ......... . . By Louis Adainld 

•Life Begins at Forty' ($1.50).,,. ........ ••••••By Walter B. Pitkin 

razilian Adventure* ($2.76) -.. .... ... .-. ... .By Peter Fleming 



Book Fir erge 

Dodd, Mead & ., has taken 
Newly formed Monumental City j over Duffleld & Green, the two book 
chapter of Newspapermen's Guild firms to be, merged immediately, 
has forwarded a complaint to Hey- Frank Dodd remains head of the 
wood Broun, national prexy, pro- ou tflt and Horace Green has been 
testing the tossing of The Post asked to accept a position with the 
employees on only 12 hours' notice. | new. combo a a editorial advisor, but 

hasn't made up his mind yet. 
Newspap.. ir Serials 1 Duffleld & Green was drlglrially 

Newspapers are continuing the incorporated, in 1903 as Fox, Duf- 
radio battle oh still another front— field & Co. Fox dropped .in 
the children's adventure strips. 1906 and Duffleld in ;1916. Green 
After, radio/, built up a large chil- had been president for past 
dren's following with slashing, eight years. 

blood-ahd thunder serials, the dai- The outflt published the- first 
lies are waking up and giving I H. G, Wells novels in the U.S., but 
the children the same type of en- recently devoted most of it? time 
tertainment pictorlally. Cartoons to biographies, historical and chilr 
have veered . away from the comical dren's. books, 
angle and now it's mostly all ad- , ^ . 

Venture stuff, with more strips of Marxist Madrid 

this type being added daily. Dissolution and wiping out of the 

Latest to come in are 'Don Winsr Socialist party in Austria left the 
low' and 'Secret Agent X9,' follow- Spanish Socialist party as the 
ing in the footsteps of the thriller, most militant Marxist group mEu- 
Tailspin Tommy.' rope. This development in Euro- 

pean politics Is resulting in all top- 
notch commentators coming to 
Spain to study the situation. Latest 



More .Pri Dough 



Little, Brown Announces still ah- , - . t . ™_-|, A _ 

bthet book contest, thl* one for £ visit Madrid was Louis Fischer, 
$5,000, making at least $19,000 that Moscow correspondent of The Na- 
ihe company is offering in prizes "on New York; Europe ^Nou velle, 
for new tomes. New. contest offers Par a; The New Stat esman and 
$5,000 for a non-flctlon book on any Natipn, London, and a Prague po 
subject. Other prizes are $10,000 Uttol Weekly. 

for a novel, and $4,000 for a text Fischer, while in Madrid, saw his 
DOok former Mpscow colleague; Eugene 

New contest is supposed to offer Lyons, who showed up seeking 
a new high in riori-flctlon prizes. I similar info for Cosmopolitan Mag- 



Three thousand, will go as a prize, 
the other $2,000 being advance 
royalties. Book must be based on 
fact, but is otherwise unrestricted 



azine, New York. 



Dahlberg Nixes German Bid 

Putting the . shoe on the Other 
in Subject matter: Atlantic Monthly I foot, Edward Dahlberg refuses to 
Pressj a Little; Brown subsid, will have his books published in Ger 
decide on the awards. | many under current conditions 

Author was approached by 
Browne's Rush Act I Rowchlt Verlag, of Berlin, for the 

Lewis Allen Browne is writing his German rights to 'Bottom Dogs' 
•House of Rothschild,' serialization and another of his hovels. He im 
in the' N. Y. Mirror, with the printer mediately answered, 'To be pub 
almost standing over his shoulder, lished today in Germany is a dis 
He's but a coupie of days ahead, of honor, which i .do not . want and 
publication. Serial is slated to last | shall not claim.' 
30 days, and already reported a 



circulation- builder by the Mirror. 

The rush order came the day after 
A. J. Kobler,. Mirror, pub,, saw the 
111m. On Saturday (24) he com- 
missioned Browne to start his liter- 
ary chores for Monday publication. 



Specializing In Nudes 

Paul N. Rothe, , whose Outdoor 



Ludwig in .12 Lingoes. 

Twelve simultaneous editions in 
that , many languages will: go out 
on Emll Ludwlg's next book, 'Nine 
Etched From Life.' McBrlde's has 
it .for the U. S., and eleven other 
language publications of it will be 
released on. April 30. 
German edition goes out with 



Book Reviews 



Publishing Co. took over The Holland imprint because Ludwig is 
Nudist mag, is hpw to publish, books one of the writers Nazi Germany 
on nudism as. well. Rothe. has |, doesn't care for. 
formed the Sunshine Book Co. for 

that purpose. . I Hungary Bans 'Nijinsky' 

A number of book publishers have I ' 'Najlnski',- . life of the dancer 
each brought Out a volume or two written by his wife, can't be sold 
on nudism, but the Sunshine ' Book in Hungary, although Romola Nl 
Co. will be the first house to spe- Jirisky was born . there and .is the 
ciaiize' in books on. nudism. | daughter of a long line of Hurigar 

lan show folks. 

Schmidt Leaves Cosmopolitan I Mrs. Nijinsky in the tome dis- 
New publishing organization cussed her country and the Rus 
called Inspirational Publications slan dancer's troubles there.. Hun- 
has lured Walter. Roeber Schmidt 1 gar lan government, not liking some 
away from Cosmopolitan Magazine of the things said, ordered the book 
to edit a new mag for young women banned 



titled Miss America. 

Mag's appeal will be to femmes 
under ■ 30, First issue due early in 
May. 



New Sports Mag 

Charles A. Jones, who founded 
the National Sportsman and the 
New. England Sport Magazine,.. how 
Is on a new mag of a similar type 
Benefit Ball for Writers J it's; The Fish & Game News of 
Latest activity arranged by the America, a weekly, 
Artists and: Writers Dinner Club'. to | - Jones is editing the publication 
raise additional funds with .which 

to continue feeding needy scribblers I John Hearst's Spot 

and artists is a cgstume ball to be Young John Hearst and W. R.'s 
given, at the Hotel Roosevelt, on. ; efficiency man Jackson have been 
April 13. around the N.Y. Daily Mirror offices 

Harry. Hirshfleld has consented of late, 
to serve as m.c. for . the affair. | Reported that . young Hearst is 

coming - into- the ■ Mirroi^organiz'a- 
iola lima Bankrupt I tion as an executive under Pub 

Viola lima, who founded' the | Usher A. J. Kobler, 
short-lived mag, Modern Youth, has 

filed a petition in bankruptcy, list- Imhof's 40- Year Labor 

ing liabilities of $11,632, and no as-M Roger Imhof, now under contract 
sets. Modern Youth was published to Fox on the Coast, has completed 
for people under 30 and did not go | a book, 'A ilistory of Variety 



beyond a few issues. 

Miss lima is connected at present 
with the American Magazine in an 
editorial capacity. 



Vaudeville'. 

He claims to have been research- 
ing and writing it for 40 years, find 
Is looking for a publisher. 



Chatter 

Waugh in, front London. 
Two teas for Peter Neagoe last 
week. 

Pascal Covicl Hollywood-bound 
to talk to some of his scribblers. 

Alfred A. Knopf back from Eu- 
rope Friday (6). 
Walter Snow, Alfred H. King's 
a., on vacation to write: a novel. 
Frances Park'busy on a new book, 
Wanted On the Voyage:* 

Fannie Hurst lurched by and 
lunching the Roosevelts. 

H; L. Mencken gets in from Eu 
rope on Thursday (6). 

Franck Buck has a new. coliaber 
in Perrin Frazer. 

Allen C. Marple is out of Har 
per's, and no successor, as yet. 

Kathleen Shepard's new one is 
entitled "Weep for Me'. For fall 
publication b;' King.. 
Carlyle's Trench Revolution' and 
Bulfynch's 'Mythology' are the 
latest additions <to Modern Library. 

Little, Brown has the reminis- 
cences^ of Nicolal Balleff, the 
Chauve Sourly' m.c. 

Lewis Brownie on the move again, 
headed this time for Central Amer- 
ica. 

Earle Balcb, publisher who went 
abroad to contact scribblers, con- 
tacted a London hospital instead. 

Because of her mother's illness 
Phyllis. Bentley cut short her visit 
here and rushed- back to England. 
. rlc Knight, Philly film critic, 
placed his first hovel with Green- 
berg, 'Invitation -to Life.' 

Thorne Smith has gone to Flor- 
ida with the family just when 
everyone is leaving. 

Ernest Toller's. anti-Hitler -play, 
'Races,' Is being rushed through by 
Knopf. It was tried out by Theatre 
Guild but won't come into N6W 
York. 

Charles Grayson packing for an 
around the World trip 1 on complet- 
ing his current assignment at Uni- 
versal. . " , 

Greenbergi' publisher, has sold 
British rights to •Rhythm of Life,' 
by Sofle Lazarsfeld, to Routledge 
& Sops. 

Claudia Cranston set 'The Mur- 
der on Fifth Avenue' for publica- 
tion, and scrammed to South- 
Seas. 

Princess Alexandra Kropotkin in 
Hollywood collecting material for 
her Liberty stories and the N. Y. 
News-. 

Latest relative of a famous scrib- 
bler to turn writer is Garland 
Burns "Porter. His grand-uncle 
was O. Henry. 

Authors' League gives, a. tea at 
Fannie Hurst's Sunday afternoon' 
(April 8) to aid the Authors' 
Dinner Club Fund. 

Peter Traill, . author of 'Here 
Lies Love,', is really Guy M&inwar.-. 
ing Morton. And the. real tag. of 
L. H. Brennlng, author of 'Cab- 
aret,' is John Hunter. 

Valentine Williams, mystery 
story scribbler " who came over for 
what was to be a brief Visit and 
remained three years, returning to 
England. . 

Leigh Mitchell Hodges celebrat 
ing 30th anniversary as author of 
those daily rhymes, by-lined 'The 
Optimist,' in the Philadelphia Bul- 
letin. 

Jeanette Phillips Gibbs, wife of 
the scribbling. A. Hamilton Gibbs, 
has. turned authoress herself. Has 
wrlttea-.a,, np.yej. entitled. 'Copy, fpr. 
Mother'. 

Ladies Home Journal how has 
almost as many editors as the 
American Spectator. Named as as 
sociates to Loring A.. Schuier are 
Ann- Batcheider, Grace Perinock and 
Alice Blinn. 

Boston American commissioned 
Radie Harris to write a dally life 
story of the late Lllyan Tashman 
Serial started April 2. 



Restaurant Baedeker 

George Ross, nlte club and drama 
editor of the N.- Y. World-Telegram 
has endowed his 'Tips On Tables' 
newspaper column heading to a very 
good Baedeker of N< Y, nlte life, 
which Covicl -Friede ; has just 
brought out ($2.50). It's the low- 
down on some 3.66 metropolitan din- 
ing and wining iBpots, all carefully 
indexed, cross-indexed and classi- 
fied. 

The restaurants, boites and. casas 
are billed as to'address, phone num- 
ber, name of the maitre d'hote! or 
head greeter, type or, character of 
cuisine, with classification as to 'in- 
expensive/ 'medium priced' or *ex- 
pehsive'; also, footnotes on the spe- 
cialties de la malsohs, vintages, 
whether dancing or no, etc. It's 
all very, complete and breezily writ- 
ten up, so that ahy number of spots 
that the average New Yorker may 
know, take on added allure because 
Ross knows, his niterles and writes 
on them authoritatively. 

It's as complete a volume . of Its 
type as possible,, although, the obvi- 
ous failing of shifting policies, clos^- 
ings, etc., can't be wholly controlled- 
This is partially proved by a few 
spots mentioned being shuttered or 
otherwise modified in motif, but it 
is obviously 1934 stuff, written in a 
fever and published at white heat 
to preserve nuance and newness aB 
much as possible* 

Rian James had a good Baedeker 
of dining out in N. Y. f a couple of 
years ba,ck, as did Julian Street 
(who also writes of Paris), but with 
the 18th amendment still technically 
In the Federal constitution at the 
time, James had to talk of the nicer 
cases in the sotto voce manner. This 
handicap is no longer necessary 
with repeal, and. Ross makes the 
most of it. It's all very timely and 
falls in handily with the present 
metropolitan trend towards a saner 
living and a finer appreciation of 
cuisine and vintages, and should 
find a ready, market; 



Dream Come True 

For five or six years I. A. R, 
Wylie, with Hollywood in her hair, 
hasn't written, any books... Now 
she's back with a peach of a novel, 
•A Feather in her Hat' (Doubleday 
Doran; $2.60), and it isn't surprising 
that the book smells pretty clnemay. 
It will probably make a good picture 
for characters like Marie Dressier 
or Alison Skipworth. 

It's a light, easy-to-fead and 
amusing yarn that Miss Wylie spins 
about a poor- old lady whose son is 
a dreamer. She tells him that he's 
the illegitimate offspring of a 
famous actress arid throws him out 
of her life. He, back in his proper 
sphere as he thinks, ' rises rapidly 
and becomes a successful play- 

Some of it reminds of 'Sanger's 
Circus' and some of it is reminiscent 
of the 'Royal Family,' but all of it 
twines into quite an original thesis. 



Hill-billy In Metropolis 

It's been done so often — that plot- 
of the savage youth who contacts 
city life for the first time— that it's 
a bit hard to credit. Yet Roy Helton 
has taken the theme and wound it 
into a grade A story in 'Nietzche 
Tilley* (Harper; $2). It's his. first 
novel, but should sell- well and per- 
haps wind up as a film.' Will be 
dangerous to tVeat, however, being 
quite banal when stripped" down to 
sheer action and plot. ' 

The savage boy tells the story. 
His foster father is a sour- medico 
who hid in the mountains' of CarO 1 - 
llna and became a hermit. The boyi 
mother and father unknown, is 
adopted by the hermit, who names 
him Nietzche Tilley. Brings him up 
in sheer ignorance of life. At eigh- 
teen, with the old man dead, 
Nietzche goes to New York' and has 
his tussle with life and cultitre. 



Throtvaways 



(Continued from, page 56) 

fore, if there will be any abatement 
of the federal claim.- 

Declaring the present day presen- 
tation of stock shows to be a 
racket, Samuel .F. Nirdlihger, Phila* 
delphia showman,, enlivened the 
proceedings at the legit edde hear- 
ings in Washington last, week, He 
found it a 'good racket,' and that is 
why he made deals that brought 
shows into two Philly theatres 
which he operates.. 

Adding that he had not 'Improved 
the racket/ Nirdlihger spoke in de- 
fense of the 'courtesy pass' 
throwaway system whereby re- 
served seats can be obtained for 40 
cents each. He, like Wee and Lev-, 
enthial, who are operating a rotary 
stock in the east, opposed the 
Broadway managers and the Code 
Authority, who aim to include the 
road in the ban against the throw - 
aways. 

Although the ticket situation, 
which takes In that phase of distri- 
bution, was. put back until April 10, 
at which time most of the points 
argued, during the two-day session 
at the capital . are expected to be 
ruled into, or out of, the rewritten 
code, the hearings were further en- 
lightened when it was charged that 
.two shows on Broadway were using 
.the?; 40-cent pass thing despite the 
Code prohibition and another was 
distributing tWo-for-bnes. 

In New York 

.Shows said to be operating with 
banned, throwaway s • are 'The ; Per- 
fumed Lady,' Ambassador, and 'Sing 
and Whistle,* Forrest. Code Author-, 
ity apparently did hot know any- 
thing about it, taking it for granted 
that no manager would openly vio- 
late the. code. When it was charged 
that two-for-ones had .been used 
for 'The Pursuit" of Happiness,' 
Rowland Stebbins, its producer, and 
a member of the-CA, rushed to the 
long distance telephone to discover 
whether that were true. He was 
informed- that some, two-for-ones 
had been distributed to . various or- 
ganizations, but that there has been 
no throwaway distribution. Code 
provides that throwaways are out 
If three- or more shows ar playing 
In , any " one stand. That is why 
stands outside of New York could 
operate, that way without being in 
violation, CA wants all stands in- 
cluded. 

Stock interests contend that 
throwaway system is a form of cut. 
rates, and, if banned, all cut rates 
should be included. Managers 
counter with record of cut rates 
having saved shows or prolonged 
the runs. 

Stock people say their system as 
now constituted is open arid above 
board, amount payable being print- 
ed on the 'passes' and that such 
admissions only apply to Certain 
portions of the house. In other 
words, there is no deception, as was 
the case when cheap ticket revivals 
infested Broadway, . they claim. 



Madhouse -Romance 

Phyllis! Bottome has written what 
seems destined to be a best seller 
in 'Private Worlds' (Houghton 
Mifflin Co., $2.60). Locale is an 
English insane asylum, background- 
ing a trio of the medical staff and 
the wife of one of these. Doesn't 
sound like a very promising spot for 
romantic complications, but the 

gripping story of a young wife who 
feels left out of the scientific dis- 
cussions; of a woman physician who 
claims, her confrere's head but not 
his heart; of a man who loves the 
woman doctor, and a flighty sister 
of the latter man who "precipitates 
most of the crises. 

There is novelty to the plot angles, 
if not to the plot, with the skill in 
narrative chiefly giving the story 



its distinction and grlppirig quality. 
The asylum is never permitted to 
intrude, yet it invests the- story 
with a certain flavor which is a 
material aid, 



Weeping Wife 

There's such a thing as trying to« 
hard to write well. That's Helen 
Grace " CaHisie'S "treble' lH 'The 
Wife' (Harcourt- race; $2.50). Book 
is in that unfortunate in-between 
class; it's neither , fine fiction, 
light reading. 

Story of a woman's fight for years 
against all sorts of. tough breaks 
and the -wrong men, Is pretty har- 
rowing. Great deal of it rings true, 
but gives the feeling of being biased 
arid perhaps a bit- too weepy. Hon- 
est enough writing, but too feminlhe 
in psychology and outlook. Won't 
go for the flaps and circulation 
libraries because too good for that; 
won't do for films because too in- 
consistently sad. Doesn't quite 
make the grade for the better lists. 



Adventurer's Thrills 

Col. Dean Ivan Lamb, soldier of 
fortune who found adventure and 
occasional profit in the Central and 
South Americas, has written, of his 
exploits, with an. .ingenuous,, frank- 
ness which makes cold blooded 
mux'der sound amusing rather than 
repellant in 'The Incurable Fili- 
buster* (Farrar & Rinehart, $5.50). 

Toward the close Colonel Lamb 
reverts to his diary and the story 
loses some of its gorgeous color, 
but there Is still virile force in. the 
recital of his nchlevemonts -rind 
enough material for diw.ns of 
novels. 



Tuesday, April -3, 1934 



E LADIES 



VARIETY 



59 



Going Places 

By Cecelia Ager 



She'* Back 

For months and months— the box- 
office at the Capitol proves it- 
great bunches of people have been 
waiting, loyal, adoring, Impatient— 
only let theni see Norma Shearer 
in 'Riptide,' Only let them see her. 
the lovely, lonely thing, let them 
.feel for her once more. Let them 
suffer with her as she marches gal- 
lantly on, hewing her straightfor- 
ward path through' swarms of 
handsome actors and less handsome 
actresses all registering worship of 
her. Let them see again that splen- 
did head held high, let them glory 
in that proud spirit which, ladylike 
to the teeth, disdains to unburden 
its hurts in the presence of a but- 
ler and two footmen. 

For when Miss Shearer's misun- 
derstood, it may happen in London, 
St. MoritZi Cannes— but never . at 
Asbury Park. That's what makes 
Miss Shearer's pictures worth 
walUng for. Nobody's contemptu- 
ous—from famHiarity, at any rate— 
of the fabulous life •that's lived in 
them. . . 

So there's rejoicing that at.. last 
Miss Shearer's, back, ..and nice, 
cosy feeling., that despite some, 
superficial changes, still. to s her own 
self she's true. That she still, pulls 
her' hair "down loosely over one eye 
for abandonment/ for Instance, that 
she still— by wearing a strip tease 
fancy dress costume, albeit with a 
deal of coy fluttering, and by Re- 
vealing her figure in a satin bias cut 
negligee with .no more than the es- 
sehtial decolletage-^-inslstB .she, too, 
has sex appeal. That she still 
works conscientiously when up 
against the terrors of having to. de- 
liver 'badinage,' that she still 
yearns for the light touch that still 
eludes her. 

With each new picture more com- 
petent, more sleek, ; more arrestingly 
and interestingly groomed, Miss 
Shearer has bested the trilling lit- 
tle ascending, scale laugh that used 
to start her speeches, replacing it 
in 'Riptide' with k sharp intake of 
breath. She looks* loveliest in one 
of a long series of 'playful' shots, 
when she has pulled the pointed 
hood of her towelling robe over het 
head. And of her fascinating cos- 
tumes, her white tea gown with 
long, loose flowing coat gathered 
into an upstanding collar , at the 
back of the neck, and slim crepe 
slip with belt and high round neck 
banding and bow of braided crepe-— 
which alone would make an admir 
able dinner dress— is tops. 

Throughout her wardrobe Adrian 
has this to say to the fashion- 
trenders: high , necklines gathered or 
pleated to the throat> then flaring 
outward to make pretty petal-like 
backgrounds for dear little, flower 
like faces. 



ppment of her reasoning as it 
breaks over her face, to skip with 
her from; one unrelated idea to the 
next. Miss Boland is 1 not one of 
your deeP ones, either; she'll al-. 
ways let you in on what's going 
through her head. 

Nothing goes through the. heads 
of the Grle triplets, or, as 'Miss 
Boland calls them, 'Good heavehs n 
a litter!' The light, however, shines 
through, their transparent ball 
dresses, disclosing nether silhou- 
ettes which cause Miss Boland, 
again, to comment upon generously 
as 'sturdy youngsters'.. 



On Going Daft in Spring 

It is altogether fitting that the 
ladies' of 'Melody in Spring' should 
all be a trifle daft. Spring, whimsy, 
and the necessity for full orches 
tral accompaniment for the. songs 
to come bounding, out of the no- 
where. 

And so, Ann Sothern, Mary Bo- 
land, the Gale triplets may— and do 
— carry on in any manner they can 
think up, without having to con 
cede -any thing to the veirltles. Ann 
■Sothern lets herself go in a welter 
of smiling glances, whether or. no 
there's anything to smile at. - It's 
reason enough that she can smile 
good. A ■ girl's got to take ad 
vantage of her best points, which 
after all is a-.terrlbly logical premise 
for a production as helter-skelter 
as. 'Melody in Spring' 

Therefore, Miss Sothern smiles in 
a lovely white garden ' frock with 
a flounce at : the hem and a black 
ribbon sash, looking up at the hero 
from the dazzling frame of a wide 
brimmed, shallow crowned, white 
picture hat with long black stream- 
ers. She smiles in an. Empress 
Josephine costume party gown 
whose delicate tulle shoulder ruf- 
fles sprinkled -with glistening se- 
quins catch the light with precious 
.flattery. 

She- smiles, and motors through 

the Swiss, ; AlpSj.:.ln_.a^smajrt_clty e n 



Bemble, black pancake tarn smashed 
gaily over one eye, black suit col- 
lared with silver fox. She smiles 
in dark frocks with white lingerie 
at the throat, she smiles in a make- 
up a- little too preoccupied with the 
assorted ' allure of heavy eye- 
shadow, she. smiles in a neat but not 
unforgettable soft blond bob. 

Mary Boland, the darling, doesn't 
smile. She thinks. It is an ab 
sorbing pursuit to trace the devel 



The Combo 

Singers yearn to dance and danc- 
ers want to sing; acrobats fancy 
themselves comics and mothers and 
dads, Just happening to be visiting 
backstage foUr times a day; come 
out for bows in their offsprings" 
act and finish doing solos; The 
vaude'-picture combo blues; 

Etta. Moten, the 'Carioca Irl' 
they call her at the Palace this 
W eek— it s'eems she sang the num- 
ber in 'Flying Down to Rio'-^is do- 
ing very nicely standing In front 
of the mike when all of a sudden, 
for the hot "chorus, she's bitten . by 
the urge to dance. So away she 
goes-, for about four paces, gyrating 
and wiggling about full of irrepres- 
sible rhythm, when presently she 
realizes she's got to sing the last 
two lines— so she slides for home. 
Suspense, suspense. Will she make 
it! 

She does—with just time enough 
to draw a breath. And all for a 
little timid torsp tossing, executed 
in the fearsome shadow of that in- 
dispensable, tyrannical, very essen- 
tial like. Miss MOten wears for 
her excursion into stage song and 
dance a lipstick . red velvet long 
dolman sleeved, high in front -low 
in back gown', .cut to clingy Miss 
Moten gives it something worth 
while to cling to. ,. 

Marion Bailer, something more 
than' a femme stooge in .Lew. Par 
ker's act — since she's allowed to do 
a toe solo — really shouldn't wear a 
Mas cut dress— at least without the 
figure rmolding restraint of certain 
necessary underpinning. She is done 
much better by in her jump-rope* 
toe-dance- costume, a white chiffon 
basque with brief skirt and low- 
round, ruffled neckline— the. ruffles 
mitigating a fulsomeriess of figure 
later emphasized.. blue and 

tasteless, skirt. 

And then there are the Donatella 
Brothers, and Carmen; a sweet, old 
fashioned family musical act with 
pretty little sister Carmen doing 
the announcing besides wearing 
stockings with her tan .setin. leo- 
tards. Mother Donatella, discov- 
ered for the finale lurking in the 
wings* is induced to come out and 
by the force, authority and brisk 
execution of her tambourine ma- 
neuvers, proves who's boss in that 
family. 



Did You Know That — 



Charlie Morrison gave a 
cocktail party, on the boat, 
Thursday, before sailing for 
England, with Lee Shubert. . . 
Max Gordon, alsd on beard, . 
was visited by Raymond Mas- 
sey, Sylvia Hahlo and Marc 
Heimann. . .Ben Lyon and Bebe 
Daniels will vacation in Ber- 
muda... Ona Munson is fur- 
nishing a new studio apart- 
ment. . . , .Robert Montgomery 
caused a flutter among, the. 
ladies attending the Thursday 
night performance 'Dods- 
Worth'. ,.'■'... That was Ruth 
Weston, looking so stunning 
in that silver fox cape and 
tiara hat, lunching at Sardi' 
Thursday . . .Florence Britton 
was there, too, Gwen 
Heller, Max Hoffman, Jr., 
and Nanette 1 Guilford... .Donald. 

lamm has a new. modernistic 
apartment the Park . . . 

There's a Mae West 
fume now... .Marioh itzer 
off to the coast on the train 
with Ruth Morris and Mrs. 
Willie Morris, Jr., and/. Charlie 
inf eld... .Marie: Tempest may 
do the London version of 'Her 
Master's' Voice* since the origi- 
nal company will hot go over. 

. Talullah Bankhead is Eng- 
land-bound, as is also Gloria 
Vanderbilt. . .Walda Winchell 
celebrated her seventh birth- 
; at the circus, last week. 
. ...Rosa Ponselle. wore a strik- 
ing blue gown and feather boa 
at the opera Thursday hight. 
. .:. . J Sammy ShiDnian explained 
a new play to Dorothy -Hall, 
the other day over the lunch- 
eon coffee. 



into, applause, at the, end or kneel in 
the aisles^ It doe& applaud, final 
ly, because the Silly Symphony fol- 
lows instantly, breaking the spell 
and reminding it that, after ail, the 
Music Hall is a theatre. 

The Rockettes, scampering,, play 
ful — but playful in exactly-the same 
way at the same moment— little 
bunrties in white satin leotards 
bouhd with maribou and pink 
bunny ears oh .their heads, skip 
out of an Easter egg to complete 
the frolicking" started by the Disney 
bunnies in 'Funny Bunnies.' For 
'The Guards on- Parade;' whlch'fol 
tows a newsreel. shot of the West 
Point dress parade, the Ballet 
Corps and Rockettes, some in blue 
metallic leotardg with silver, some 
in orange with, gold', put on a 
parade drill of their own whose in 
tricate, strikingly pictorial forma 
tion show those, cadets on the 
screen a thing or two or three. 



Li II tea or Loo loos? 

It's. Easter at the Music Hall. 
Easter all over the place. Easter 
chimes, Easter bunnies/ Easter pa-, 
rade. ; The Music Hall just loves 
Easter. 

-But, first, : -the Music : Hall re- 
veres Easter. Bend a solemn' knee 
at the outset, it : .feels ;. ; there's 
plenty of time to. be skittish later*. 
So the; .show opens with a cathedral 
altar set, the chorus walks around 
slowly, beating tapers,, the music is 
beatific* the lighting, devout, the 
live . saints in : metal cloth robes 
keep - still in their niches, and 
everything is imbued with shilling 
piety* .; 

And now, quietly in medieval gar- 
bents, and spectacular -medieval 
colffs, and bearing sheafs of lilies* 
the beauteous maids of the Ballet 
Corps appear. Their arrival, it 
must, be confessed, is a .little dis- 
concerting. Can it be there's going 
to be dancing — in church? But 
anyone so miserably lacking in 
faith: as to' suspect; that the Ballet 
Corps doesn't know where it is and 
how to behave itself, deserves to 
be made, uncomfortable^ for that 
^mean^lmught^^he^aiiet^^joxps^ 
marches about in decorous proces- 
sion, kneels lh unison, thrusts out 
in a graceful but firmly worship- 
ful formation Its sprays ..of lilies — 
and doesn't once so much as. pick 
up the hems of its garments to. 
show a nifty heel and toe, so 
there! 

So full of the right spirit is the 
Ballut Corps, as a ; matter of fact, 
that the audience doesn't know 
whether it really ought to break 



Stock Market 



Looking Dared, but Well 

Fay Wray, who pops Up in one 
picture right , after another,, is this 
week carrying on In her very own 
self t contained manner— so self-con- 
tained that anyone who cart tell 
what emotions she's feeling is that 
much smarter than everybody else 
— as 'The Countess of Monte Crlsto. 
She plays a film extra and the story 
kindly explains that if in. the be 
ginning Miss Wray appears to be 
looking into space all the time, it's 
because - she's stunned, first with 
grief and then with, indecision. 

What she can't', quite decide to 
do is whisk off the. studio set lh a 
studio flash car arid wearing a stu- 
dio mink coat, because she is so 
honest and! good. Well. Anally ; 6bfe 
does abscond, but' only because she's' 
in her daze agai. , and will return 
everything just as soon as; she gets 
put pf her . .daze" Meantime 'The' 
Countess of/ Monte Cr'istoV/suggests 
a bran d new way" pf dispensing? with 
'the : fairy - godmother in; the Cinder- 
ella legend. 

Miss Wray;. who encounters there- 
after all sorts of /engaging adven r . 
tures which she, maddeningly, is too 
good arid too preoccupied to enjoy, 
is presented with a wardrobe which 
includes one gold metal off-the-face 
hat too small to be Bmart or becom- 
ing, accompanied by a gold belt arid 
gold gauntlet gloves. But she Is 
also given a white evening dress 
with skirt draped, into a bustle in 
the 1880. silhouette and a drop shoul- 
der decolletagc. that makes up for 
everyth ing. Her new coiffure, cen - 
ter parTedrv7ith~^7tIy^cu^^ 
and hair swept up and off her ears 
and massed into puff curls at the 
nape of her neck, is demure, suit- 
able, and fetchingly old-fashioned. 

Patsy Kelly's slam -bang, utterly 
likeable personality registers, even 
though 'The Countess of Monto 
Cristo' fails to appreciate her for all 
she -is worth, and so doesn't worry 
its charmingly romantic. head about 
her material. 



(Continued from page 6) 
common issues gained fractionally 
on the week. Warner preferred was 
up 2 point's on one day's business. 
Loew's slipped only % net, though 
it dropped back nearly 2 points to 
30%. during . sell-off Tuesday. 
Strength of Warner issues caused 
much cpmment. 

Of less active Issues, American 
Seating gain ..'.%" point, while Colum- 
bia Pictures went up fractionally 
and RKO lost %. Oh the. other side, 
Universal- preferred slumped badly 
from, its' recent high levels, closing 
at 32, where It was Off nearly 4 
points. Eastman. Kodak closed the 
week with a net loss of 2%. 

Shake-put Tuesday revealed plen- 
ty of good buying in Radio Pre- 
ferred B. This issue dipped to 20 % 
before getting support. It was off 
nearly 3. points at this level. In- 
dicative of support given this stock 
was its action .the following day, 
when it shot back to 22%. It ended 
the week at 23, or % point net gain. 

Trade hews for the week was riot 
as. cheering, as" it has been.. .Steel 
operations were steady, -output eas- 
ing % to 48 %, Povyer output was 
17.6 higher, than last year, but down 
from the 20% of previous "week. 
Freight carloadirigs showed de- 
cline from the week before, but were 
ahead # of both i933 and 1932. And 
business failures for the week "end- 
ing March 22 were smallest this 
year. 

Westlnghouse Electric declared a 
quarterly dividend of 87% cents_on_ 
preferred ; payable April 30 to stock 
of record April 16.. Universal Pic- 
tures company notified" N. T. Stock 
Exchange of a proposed, change In 
'par value of its commpn stock from 
no par to $1 per share. Each share 
of bid stock is to be exchanged for 
one share of new. 

General Electric, earned 38 cents 
per share in 1933,' according .to an 
nual report, compared, to 41 cents 
for 1932. Dividend on common for 
past year amounted to 40 cents per 
share, compared, with 85 cents in 
1932, plus one -sixth share of Radio 
Corp. of America common stock 
Net Income for 1933 was $13,429,738, 
or a decrease of $974,372 from 1832 
General lectric also during the 
week announced, proposal to allow 
its '60,0t)0 employees to share in 
earnings of the company. 

Increased Admissions 

• Straw in . wind which attracted . 
amusement . stocks, followers was 
report from Detroit that 65 theatres 
have advanced admission prices due 
to improved business, conditions and 
better attendance. Other minor bits 
of encouraging straws were found 
In General Electric report, which, 
for first time in four years, showed 
orders booked .were larger than 
orders shipped during previous 
year. 

Ten percent wage increases by 
many large Industrial companies, 
which become effective April 1 
rated as good sign, since it will in 
• crease purchasing power of various 
communities.- Steel companies" are 
in van in making these increases, 
though numerous other companies,' 
including automobile manufactur- 



ers, have announced wage hikes for 
April. 

Conservative observers more and 
more are coming to realize how 
much potential inflation is to be 
found in present monetary situation, 
in fact, some think Washington. Is 
yiving serious /thought to. measures 
designed to prevent too rapid ex- 
pansion of credit; which might lead 
to speculative, excesses and push up 
prices so rapidly they might fall 
back as disturbingly as . they did 
last summer. Heavy, government 
spending is apt to snow its effects 
shortly^ Whether this alone will be 
unduly " inflationary, or whether 
some other , and more direct Infla- 
tionary step will be taken in Wash* 
ington, still is a matter of conjec- 
ture. But most .= certainly, inflation 
once more is very much in fore- 
ground, 

Bond market reflected trend In 
stocks, selling down ' Tuesday and 
going into higher ground latter part 
of week. Amusement company liens 
presented ragged appearance, , how- 
ever, at close, many showing losses ., 
of from a fraction to 2%. Pathe 7-s 
credited with latter big decline and . 
closing at 90%. Warner ros. 6's 
showed biggest gain, soaring 3% 
points and making, a net gain of 
3% at 58. It was heavily in demand 
Saturday. 

Keith *46 liens also did well, show- 
ing a net of nearly a point. Par*-. 
mount-Famous-Lasky 6's gained 
fractionally; ♦ .. 

On the curb exchange . Technicolor 
broke to : a new low for year at 7%, 
and wound. Up week with .net loss 
of •! nearly a point. 

Market during week furnished 
two excellent examples' of folly of 
buying or selling at opening. On' 
Monday virtually all stocks opened 
day with gains of one to two points 
and more. Initial burst of strength 
failed to hold and numerous issues 
closed day about same as Saturday 
and in some .instances off . Tuesday 
tables were reversed. Stocks gen- 
erally showed prices off 2 to three 
points on opening'. They rallied, 
but. failed to gain much before 
close. But following two days' 
found practically all issues recoup- 
ing those opening Tuesday losses. 
In other words, subsequent action 
of stocks reversed trend on both! 
days', openings. Those .buying for. 
the" advance Monday t opening 
found they had been wrong, and 
those who sold short at opening 
Tuesday found themselves In a pre- 
carious position before week wa» 
completed. 

Old favorite pastime of selling 
utilities short was .resumed with 
vigor Saturday on news of Senator 
Thayer's alleged lobbying, for public 
utility corporation. This group was 
none too popular after Lehmana 
radio address attacking utilities 
earlier in- week, and federal ' trade 
commission revelations on Thayer 
proved too' much for utility stocks. 
Though they were knocked - down 
generally throughout Saturday's 
short session, market shook off this 
selling and forged ahead, heavy de- 
mand coming in particularly in last 
thirty minutes. 



Summary for week ending Saturday, March 31: 

STOCK EXCHANGE 

High. Saje*.' " Issue and rauf. " High. 

7%' • .800 '-American Seat;*. ..... 6% 

5% 1,400 Consol. Film 4% 

28% 1,000. Columbia P. VMS 27% 

17% ,2,400- Cortdol. PHm l)fd.v(50c.)*.;..»^' W%' 

03%. 7'J ,3,800 Eastman Kodak (3).... ', r K 

17% 1 2% 8,600 Fox. Class . A. . . . 

25% 18% 55.000^ Gen; Elep. <«0fc.);. .•...'»;.. .'.-.»'.•' 2£% 

84% v . 26% 38.400 Xocv- (1). . w . t , .»... *. '..^..-...v. 

01% ' 72 300 Do pref, C6%)...» , ',"..'.',■'». 

.•4% '2% '700 Madison S«I.' Garden'i 

25 21 400 Met-G-M pref." (1.80). . .'. . . . 

6% 1% .50,400 Paramount ctfa. ............ .... 

•4'A '% '■ 11. 40ft Pathe" Exchange.. ......... ..... 

21%- 10% 18,200 Pathe, Class A.... ...V......;:, 

0% ;-.6% 41,600 Radio- Corp. .../>..,.... 

24% 15 9,500 Kadlo, pfd. 

. . 4V% Vk 11-200 HKO .....i..... 

30% 10% t20 Universal pref. 

4% 4% 86,800 Warner Bros 

24% .18% 100 DO. pfd.. '.-'.. 

47% 35% y 50, 100 V/estlngrhouse 



90 

:, A . 

24% 
5% 
3% 

18% 
ft 

23% 
3% 

82% 
7% 

22% 



Low. 
6 

.. 2*4 
-14% 

85% 

14% 
•20% 

80%. 

00 . , 

24%r 

P 
10% 

7% 
20% 

3 
32. 

6 
22% 
30% 




• Paid this year. 

t Teh-share trading unit. 



11% 

3%, 



13 
60 

=08%* 
01 

'50% 
50 

r>i 

50 
40 

50% 



2,300 Technicolor ...... 

700 Trans Lux (10c.). 



= » 



3% 
01 

85' 

20% 

28% 

2HU. 

20 

30 

40' 



Old. 



$52,000 Gen. Thea, Kq 0% 

8,000 Keith 0' 6, - 4«. 65% 

=24,000=Ix>aw=-«! ,^l»> r ,.TT TT: ^. T . r ,TT T »-r^-Ut»%= 

17,000 Pathe 7's. 'ST., .. . 91% 

10.000 Par-Fam-I.iisky 0'b, * 50 

32,000 Par-Fam-I,aHky fl's, , .'. ; 4tt% 

HK1.0W Par-Pub 5%'s, '59.:.... 50 

fiO.OOO Par-Puh 5%' 8, '50, ctfs 40% 

11,000 Par-Jiroadway 5%'s, '51........ 3.1% 

444,000 Warner Urr.s. 6's, ' 58% 

OVER THE COUNTER, N. Y. 



8% 




- % 


04% 


All 


+ % 


=08=^ — 


-.tih.%^- 




00 


00% 




49 


4l)% 


+ M 


47% 


48% 


— % 


48% 


40 


- % 


47% 


47% 


-1% 


33 


33 


—1 


53 


58 


+3% 



4* 



60 



VARIETY 



TIMES SQUARE 



Tuesday, April 3 t 1934 



East 



M 1 1.1 l l.Utl 11111 M M;i1H I I UMI1 M.H I 



| M , i aMB ||| l lBl l l > B »l MhWlMMMit «MiliiH«t>fct^*"MMMlHIIHMWBll»Mi«lMimmm 



Georges Metaxa recovering from 
hiff auto smash in Miami, Helen 
Valaory, his first wife, at his bed- 
side. 

Mme, Schumann rHeink in court 
in New York, Tuesday (27), to de- 
mand an accounting of her late sis- 
ter-in-law's estate, under whose will 
She is chief beneficiary. Tells that 
the will was probated nearly a year 

ago. . . . ... ... 

' William E. Barry has a two-»tt 
comedy, 'Take Love for Instance' 
and is now seeking to spot It for 
summer tryout. Wrote 'Happy 
Landing* and 'The Jade God;' 

Runways out of all burley houses 
at the instance of the license com- 
missioner. Says they are fire haz-. 
ards. Always warm spots. 

Arch Selwyn to London April 5: 
Harold B. Franklin goes with ,bim. 
Selwyn is after Coward's 'Conver- 
sation Piece,' while H. B. seeks to 
lasso Elizabeth Bergner. 

Joe Durininger, . mystic, in court 
Tueiday In his suit against an 
apartment house owner because of 
a fall Caused by the latter's negli- 
gence. When the jury went out he 
told they would be gone four hours 
Some time later- he wrote out the 
amount of the verdict they would 
return in his favor. He was four 
,minutes out oh the time but he had 
the award, $2,750, down pat. 

•Cobina Wright, . prominent in .so- 
ciety circuses; -suing her husband, 
William May Wright, for divorce. 

•Evelyn Cushway, fan dancer, 
pinched in- Toronto.. Sprung by the 
court which found no grounds on 
which .to convict;- 

Circus came to town Tuesday 
(■27) with two more animals .than 
it had when it left Sarasota. Zebra 
and camel born enroute. 

Friends of the late Margaret II 
Ungton Bowes are contributing to 
the Stage Relief Fund as a me- 
morial to the actress. 

Maurice Jacquet to conduct opera 
at the Hipp. Formerly of .Paris. 
. Mrs, Barbara Horton, taxi-dancer,, 
said by "police to- be the common- 
law wife of . Robert Horton, Negro 
musician in WMle Bryant's orch, 
held on a charge of stabbing Made- 
line Odium, Latter died on her 
way to the hospital. Mrs. Horton 
is known In Harlem as 'Slacks.' 

Will Osborn. fined $26 for smack- 
ing a process server back in 1930. 
Benjamin Sulberger sued for $3,000, 
claiming the sock caused worry 
which eventually lost him his job. 
Crooner told the court he was 
broadcasting to- 40,000,000 at - the 
time and could not stop singing to 
argue. 

Ferdinand Bruckner, Who came 
over to. see his 'Races/ on his way 
back to Paris. 

'Jean Sargent hops the cast of 
'Gypsy Love' while in rehearsal. 

Stanley J. Klein, manager of the 
Plaza- picture theatre, Mt. Vernon, 
held for grand jury on complaint 
of the Medical Examiner. A small 
fire in the house last December in 
which a six-year-old child was 
' hurt, later dying of her injuries 
Held that Klein violated the elec- 
trical code in that there was in 
sufficient air space above the rheo 
Btat box. 

Richard Conn, of ch leader at . the 
Vanderbilt hotel for six years, but 
idle for the past. two,, found dead 
of gas poisoning Wednesday (28) in 
his studio apartment in. New. York 
Letter to a friend told of his in 
tentlon to kill himself. . 

Police, picked .up 27 ticket specu- 
lators hawking tickets outside the 
Garden for Golden Gloves tour- 
nament Wednesday (28). In night 
court 17 took $5 each, two were 
stung for $1.0 and six drew sua 
pended sentences. Latter satisfied 
the magistrate they were not pro- 
fessionals. 
Delos Chappell acquires 'Swan 

— •■■»^.» T ....^.„ n ,. | . M - ' i n i i Tnrrrr i l i ifr i Vlir i i iii Viinr i i ii ii ii i" ii i i 
S y*i H iH M ii M iimii«mtiiiiHiiM«wmttm h i,ii)wiii M ^^ 

i|Neu> York Theatres! 

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CiiittMHiiiHuiHiuntiiutiiiiiHrtitiHiinriHimiUHtiiiimtmit 



News From the Dailies 

77iis department contains rewritten theatrical news items as published during the wedtin the 
daily papers of New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Hollywood and London. Variety takes no 
credit for these news items; each has been reWritt en from a daily paper. 



Elizabeth Elliott 



-I1 1 1 td 1-1 LbfcMt.M jpi ruirHMtf - HllMrSiM EH I.JLl.Ll L_LI_l.ll U I L11.H 1 ,1H1 U < U..-I I I IH».l Vl^l lit -M IX >J L1.I-I.I.U4. 



for 



Song' from 
next season; 

Benefit for Jim Thornton is 
pushed over to April 22. Edgar 
Allen, handling it, is ill. 

Arch Selwyn has bought the 
dramatic rlgh j i to Ward Greene's 
Cora Potts,' No adaptor yet un- 
der consideration, but it will be 
ready to go into work in the fall. 

Estate of the late Milton Aborn 
reported ~.s $26,464. All goes to his 
widow. . _, T . 

American Federation of Labor 
formally received the . American 
Federation of Actors in a ceremony 
at the Eiltmore theatre Wednesday 
night (28). Fred Keating presided. 

United Restaurateurs Assn. 
fighting the move to permit drink- 
ing at bars. Claim it's 'destructive 
competition. . 

Katharine Hepburn went to 
Paris, turned around and sailed for 
home. Explained she's 'distress- 
ingly tired.' • _ „ 

Newsreel films of the taxi strike 
being studied by Commissioner 
O'Ryan, who'll take action if the 
pictures seem to warrant it. .' 

Barnard professor says Americans 
can't talk like the English and 
shouldn't try. Prefers Mae West's 
frankly spoken Brooklyn accent. 
It's more hottest. 

Peaches Browning in her ahnual 
divorce action against her erstwhile 
Daddy. 

Giuseppe Bamboschek, Lily Pons' 
accompanist, keeps out of the Ali- 
mony club when Supreme court 
rules it's silly to put a husband in 
jail when he can't pay. He owes 
$12,918 back alimony, but can 
slough it by taking a bankruptcy 
bath. First ruling under 
amended laws, 

Dorothy Russell Calvit in court 
Thursday (29) to ask that Mrs 
Dorothy Carvso Holder be inter- 
rogated in Ury, France, her present 
residence, In the suit she brought 
to obtain a ring alleged to have 
been the property of her mother, 
the late Lillian Russell. She alleges 
that, her stepfather, the late Alex 
ander Moore, loaned the ring to 
Mrs. Holder. Latter asserts it was 
an engagement ring which Moore 
told her to keep when their en 
gagemerit was broken. Valued at 
$50,000. 

Manhattan theatre . become 
Billy Rose's Music Hall 



so-called Oxford accent.' Bad for 

the kiddles. 

^ Albany gets a bill to slap 5% 
tax on gross receipts of radio sta- 
tions. Annual appearance. 

Staten islands joins in the ban on 
naughty literature on news stands. 
Dealers have agreed to observe the 
prohibitions. 

Don Marquis circulating. his 'Mas- 
ter of Revels/ It's one of the Henry 
VIII cycle. Jed Harris arid the; Shu- 
berts: reported interested* 

Leonard Siliman and Viola Broth- 
ers Shore coliab on 'It's All too 
Wonderful.'. 

John Reid and James Hagan 
teamed on 'Wedding March/ whioh 
is now being circulated, . 

Richard B. Harrison, 'de Lawd' of 
Green Pastures/ to double into the 
all-Negro production of. 'Romeo, and 
Juliet.' Daniel L. HayneS, the 
Adam, also quits the ark for the 
balcony. 

Cella Villa, daughter of Francisco 
Villa, heading for New York. Has a 
contract, for three months of per-, 
sonal appearances in conjunction 
with 'Viva Villa,' 

Frederic Langford wins the oper- 
atic tryout for a new heroic _tenor. 
He is 27 and employed in. a book- 
store, but has .done ebneertizing on 
the amateur platform, 

Columbia Broadcasting system 
awarded a medal . Saturday (31) to 
Admiral Byrd for hia outstanding 
contributions to radio. Exercises 
short- waved to Little America, and 
crew listened in. The Admiral was 
at a distant observation post and 
missed it.- 

retohen Damrosch Finletter has 
done 'Picnic/ a New Engand drama, 
which A r th ur J...Beckhard may pro- 
duce. 

George Abbott, writing on 'Ladies ^ 
Money/ which Is derived from his 
'Manhattan Medley." 

Reported that Jed Harris' trip to 
London is to jget Douglas Fairbanks, 
Jr., for one of his plays, 

John Erskine and Albert Stoessel 
working on an opera based on the 
life, of Stephen Foster. 

Mme. Schumann-Heink started 
world tour from York, Pa., yesterday 
(Monday), across America to Aus 
tralia and home by way of Europe 



N. Y. hospital Sunday (1). Her 
condition calls for a major opera- 
tion, 

Some 300,000 w£ht to Coney 
Easter Sunday; Concessionaires re- 
port free spending. 

Molly Picon back from Holly wood 
and maybe to Russia. 

Lambs Club holding ah art exhibit 
at the- clubhouse. 



Coast 



Carveth Wells in court for $1,600 Combined . lecture and song recital. 



RKO THEATRES 

j| 



86 T " ST. 

AT 

uiujcton 



81 st ST. 



ON 



Wed., to Friday 
Aprl) 4 to 6 

Bert Kobert 
Wheeler Woolney 

in "hips, Hirs, 

IfOOBAY'< 

and 

.,- "MADAME SI»Y" 
' with' Fny Wray 



back alimony, tells the court this 
exploring business is in a slump. 
Has taken in only $600 for lectures 
since last July and his bank bal- 
ance is $3.60. 

Germany taboos 'Prizefighter and 
the Lady.' No objections to the lady, 
but Max .Ba<**' is non- Aryan. 

The late Otto Kahn credited 
with having given $2,000,000 to 
opera and other stage products, in-, 
eluding 'The Miracle' and Russian 
ballet. 

Norman Thomas, socialist, pleads 
for a non-profit radio. Says minor- 
ity gets the worst of it in air pro- 
motions. 

Louis Gold, who won attention 
when he sued a corporation for 
alienation of his wife's affections, 
won another point Thursday (29) 
when the court refused- the motion 
of the Pocket Brassiere CO. to dis- 
miss the case. Held that a cor- 
poration may be held responsible 
Company persuaded Mrs. Gold to 
keep on working *or it after her 
marriage. 

Roxy theatre to show 'Footlight 
Echoes/ WOR sustalner, on Tues 
day nights. 

- -Barney Gallant gives his Wash 
ington Sq. club to his. headwalter, 
Arnold Rossfield. Says the new deal 
Ts a headache to him 

Louis D. Rockwell files suit 
against Arthur Hopkins to. collect 
$2,787 which he claims is still due 
him from 'A Successful Calamity/ 
Clare Kummer play,, in which he 
held ah interest. Says Hopkins paid 
him $3,182 but owes the remainder, 
Dan Totheroh hops in from Holly 



Leon Belasco advertised in. Fri- 
day's papers for a bass fiddle he had 
with him when he jumped out of a 
taxi during the strike riots. Sounds 
like a gag, but he made the front 
page. 

Bebe Daniels in town to buy 
dresses, for her West wood gown 
shop 

Katharine Cornell kicks in with 
$500 for the Philharmonic fund be 
cause she enjoys the Sunday broad- 
casts on the road. 

Walter C. Roberts' 'Damn Deb 
orah' in a Krimsky & Cochran 
pigeonhole, 



Jean Chatburh, Pasadena convent 
girl, has had her contract, with B. P. 
Schulberg approved, by the L.A. 
superior cOurt. Scales from $50 
weekly to $750 in seven years. 

Mile; Annabelle,' Parisian actress; 
Andre Daven, film producer, and his, 
wife, Mile. Danville Parola; Andre 
Berley, French comedian, and Pierre 
Brasseurm, juve actor, have arrived 
on the Coast. 

Sergei Soudeiklne, Russian scenic 
designer, formerly with the Metro- 
politan ' Opera House in N,Y., has 
arrived on the Coast to do special 
Work on 'Resurrection' for Sam 
Goldwyn. 

Edwin Davis, who recently 
pleaded guilty to a charge , of mur- 
der for the slaying of E, Gall Pat- 
terson, biz mgr. of the L.A. Illus- 
trated: Dally. News, has been sen- 
tenced to San Quentin for from five 
years to life by Superior Court 
Judge Robert H. Scott. 
5 Joan London Malamuth, daughter 
of Jack London, and Charles Mala- 
muth, writer/ divorced in Los 
Angeles. 

Buddy Mason, Hollywood movie 
stunt man, who risked his neck 
hundreds of times in films, fell On 
a milk bottle and sustained a five- 
inch cut on his thigh. 

Decision of the Calif. Industrial 
Accident Commlsh; which denied 
Lucille Malin, wife Qf Jean Malin, 
compensation for the death of her. 
husband when an auto plunged oyer 
the Venice, Calif., pier, has been 
challenged In a petition for review 
filed in the L.A. District Court of 
Appeal. 

Harriett Lorraine, actress, has 
filed suit for $15,000 damages in the 
L.A, Superior Court against Joseph 
Marchetti, attorney,- charging that 
he negligently started his. car while 
she was leaning against.lt and that 
her nose and wrist were broken 
when she was. thrown to the pave- 
ment 

Superior Judge B. Rey Schauer of 



against Phillips Holmes for lnjurieii 
received In an auto accident has 
been marked off .the calendar in 
L. A, Holmes will pay doctor bills 
according to Miss Clark's attorneys. 

Maureen O'Sulllvan and John 
Farrow have received re-entry per- 
mits from the L. A. immigration 
director preparatory to leaving for 
Ireland to visit the former's parents. 

. Bill Hart has Stopped worrying 
about his supposed failure of eye* 
sight. He shqt the head off a rattle- 
snake about to attack his dog. 

Fire, which .broke out shortly 
after closing hours,' damaged, the 
Palais de Glace, Hollywood, left 
rink, to extent of $70,000. 

Charles' Malamuth awarded an 
uncontested, divorce decree from 
Joan London, daughter of the late 
Jack' London, in L.A. Superior 
Court. 

Jean Kraft, Cleveland contest 
winner of a free trip to Hollywood 
as guest of JOan Crawford, asserted 
after visiting the studios that she 
had . no intention of following a 
theatrical career. 



tiarrow Tiff 



(Continued from page -5) 
trade practices in the industry. 
They point put that the most he 
can .do is to make various recom- 
mendations to the President at the 
close of his qulzz, but that it will 
be" up to Roosevelt if the code is to 
be re-opened. 

Rosy Endorsed 
As for attacks f rqm indie ranks 
on Sol Rosenblatt, NR A aides de- 
clared with vehemence at the sam 
tiirie that the Divisional Adminis- 
trator's record in the amusement 
world so far is unimpeachable. They 
were confident that Rosenblatt 
neither will be asked to resign nor 
will he tender his resignation. 

Certain members of the Code Au r 
thority, with the weight of their of- 
ficial experience and attendance at 
the secret sessions of that, body, 
Were among those in the. independr 
ent ranks Monday who were strong- 
ly in favor of- a change in. the mem- 
bership. There is no need, they 
declared, for each large major com- 
pany to have its owh codist. They 
are recommending, that, for in- 
stance, two or three members be 
designated to represent . Paramount*; 
Warners, RKO, Fox and Metro. 

In the estimation of such codists, 
however, there is hardly enough on 
the Authority's books to warrant a 
blow-up at. this time, except the 
C. A/s own make-iip. These spokes- 
men charge the present C. A. with 
deliberately stalling the code and by 



u »,i U i c « c „. Indulging the practice of sending 

L.Arhas V resenTen^^ meetings which has fur- 

to be hanged at San Quentin prison I ther added to delays. 
June 15 for the' murder of Police- 
man. Jack Crowley in a West wood 
theatre robbery in 1932. The court 
set aside a commutation of. Gov. 
Rolph's on the ground that the gov- 
ernor's act Was illegal. 

Bebe Daniels, Lloyd Pantages and 
Mrs. Skeets Gallagher granted per- 
mit by the Calif.. State Corporation 
Department to incorporate their 
Westwood, Calif., wearing apparel 



shop. 

Tjo»n <s v A na ir Tmrioii for Gil- I Vince Barnett's car jailed for 10 
. B . a8i L^ ne ^« t ^w«?o 0 ^nsu^ after the picture ribber was 

1 I convlcted Q f violating the L.A. park- 

ing laws. 



bert Miller, so 'Wife 
won't open this week. 

Alfred Sangster's 'The Brontes' is 
now 'Charlotte, Emily and Ann " 

Howard Lindsay to write the book 
for Dwight Deere Wiman's projected 
fall revue. 

Steeplechase Park, Coney Island, 
opened Sunday (1). To be open 
week ends until the formal summer 
start. 

Sam Harris back from Hollywood 
a'rid'dozihg plans." TiIa"r3_"Br5s"/'f.how 
and the Cantor musical tops 

Mary Pickf ord • served in a libel 
suit in Boston. Brought by the vis- 
itor who scared her out of town 
when she was playing there. He 
feels the newspaper stories damaged 
his reputation. 

Baltimore discovers 'Mme. . Butter 
fly* is banned by. law in that town 
Contains excerpts from 'Star-Span- 
ged Banner/ and a war-time ordi- 




Norma SHEARER 
Robert Montgomery 

G-M's "RIP TIDE" 
Uerbert Mural-All 
In I'erHon 

JTnjiOlMt-?--- 
~ iniui St 
^ Orcli. 



wood to. aid in the accouchement of;| nance forbids introduction of frag- 

*~ ' ments in other music. Aimed at the 
kind-applause appeals of tin pan 
alley, but it hits Puccini, and the 
Met singers, too. 

Lahgdon W. Post, tenement com- 
missioner, gets off base to tell Col- 
lege Art Ass'n that municipal opera 
| is a possibility for next season. 

Tent wax works show of John T. 
McCaslin destroyed in a Baltimore 
fire Friday (30). In storage in a 
w.irdhouse pending the tenting 
season. 

Katharine Cornell will not play 
B'way until Dec. 



'Moor Born.' Then he'll go back 
to his United Artists chores. 
- Rowland Stebbins whistling 'God 
Save the King.' Censor has passed 
'Pursuit Of Happlnes' for London 
showing, 

. 'Furnished Rooms' pounced ahead 
to April 5 

Eddie. Dowling forgetting his 
Broadway summer plans. He's tak- 
ing 'Big Hearted Herbert' out . to 
meet the Fair. 

Bermuda pulls a ban on short 
shorts for femmes. 

George Raft sued for separation 




| ^hfl^$rr200 "wet? lely^al^ 
wife, Grace Mulvooney Raft, who | through the summer. 



LOEWS 



0WAY_.4_,~.T. 



Lf M0N. w FRI- 

9 IQAW T-WOONI 



CONSTANCE 
BKNNICTT 

Fraiioliot Tone 
"MOl'IJN llOl'OJE" 
IK Person— Slnoln' 8am— 1 Others 
Friday— 'DURANTE In "Palooka" 



makes the recent Virginia Pine re- 
ports the basis of her charges. Suit 
in New York court. 

Red Barn theatre, Locust Valley, 
L. L, summer tryout . spot has 
changed hands. , Charles W. Ilinton 
represents the new-owners.. Sevei'al 
prospects hut no deal rlosod yet. 

Speech i provement society finds 
Ann Harding and Fre'dric March 
the best speakers in the pictures-. 
Weeps over the wiso spread of 'the 



Everett Marshall picked for the 
musical 'Cyrano' next season, and is 
Durante mortified? 

Phil Dunning back from Mexico 
City and all over his i;ecent sickness. 

Angna Enters, dancer, gets one. of 
the Guggenheim fellowships, 

"Mrs. Alice Cuttleback. veteran 
circus performer, critically burned 
in Jersey City Saturday (31). Oil 
stove overturned. 

Carmella Ponselle rushed to a 



Virginia Pine, recently, divorced 
from Ed J. Lehman, Jr., Chicago 
department store owner, oh her re 
turn to the Coast, denied romance 
with George Raft, as hinted in 
Raft's wife's suit for increased 
alimony. 

Because he was loaned $150,000 
to the Guaranty Building and Loan 
Assn., , in JHplly wpqd,__ John. Barry 
more is seeking- status as a pre- 
ferred creditor qf the organization 
Shelton and Edmonds,. Inc., theat- 
rical agents, have established a 
Hollywood office.. Paul Edmonds 
formerly was connected with theat- 
rical biz in Chicago. 

Esperanza Lopez, Spanish dancer, 
killed by . her husband-dancing 
partner Rodrigo Dominguez, Accord 
ing to Tia Juana, Mex., police 
reports. 

Final dissolution of the old time 
vaude team of Fay Mack , and Stan 
ley Mack took place in L.. A. when 
the former received a divorce; .Mrs 
Alack was unable to appear in 
court, having been confined to a 
hospital for the last three years 
with a spinal ailment. 

Jean Harlow' must present a de 
fense in court to the suit brought 
against her over the estate left 
by her late husband, Paul Bern, ac- 
cording to a decision by Superior 
Court. Judge Gould. 

Philip Ainswpith, erstwhile husr 
^haJod^^c^iBacbaEa^LaMar^-arrjested 
on Coast for forgery. 

Mae Clark's $21,000 damage suit 



MARRIAGES 

Bobbe Arnst to Robert Caya- 
haugh. Lar6hmont, N„- Y., April 2. 
Actress is former wife of Johnni* 
Welsmuller. 

John Jl Wildberg to Ursula Par* 
rott in New York, March 29. Groom 
Is theatrical attorney, bride the au- 
thor and screen writer. 

Rachel Wilson to Willis Claris; 
March 31, in Los Angeles. Bride is 
secretary- treasurer of Standard 
Talking Films, Inc. Groom is non- 
pro. 

Paul Kapp to June Raff, non r pro, 
in Chicago, April 1. Groom is radio 
talent agent. 

Carmen Laroux ' to Elmer Ells- 
worth, in Los Angeles, March 24. 
Bride is picture player and groom 
is. in the Warners* cOstume depart- 
ment oh the Coast, 

Valerie Michale to Count Andre 
La Vergne, New York, March 31. 
Bride is a dancer, 

Betty Eberbach. to Tony M ar " 
tinelii, film editor at Prudential 
studio,. April 2Q, in Los. Angeles. 
Bride is secretary : to M. H. Hoff- 
man, head of Liberty Productions. 



BIRTHS 

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Mitchell* . 
Son, .March 22, in Waukegan, IH. 
Mitchell is city manager for Pub - 
lix- Greater States theatres. 



DOROTHEA ANTE! 

226 W. 12d 8t. New fork Cltj 
Ms New Assortment 6t OHEETlNO 



CAKDS Is Now Bendy. 
CARDS find FOI.HKRS 
ptild. for 



21 Itenutlful 
Boxed. TOht- 



One Dollar 




N S T I 



1. 

TUT 



t O N 



INTERNATIONALS 



Shoes for the S^ a g e an ^ S treet 

SHOWFOLK'S SHOESHOF— 1S52 BROADWAY^ 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



TIMES SQUARE 



VARIETY 



61 



Broadway 



Maude Ryan in the French hosp. 

a p. Waxman and Mark Hanna 
p.Ving the NVA drive. 

Irving Strduse hops to Hollywobd 
fo dier out picture clients. 

Dude (Toolius) Harris has that 
Chicago intestinal trouble. 

Peggy Calvert in from Troy to 
attend her father's funeral. 

Hotel: St. Morits to have one of 
those continental outdoor cafes. 

,.. George Brown sworn in on special 
KRA publicity on motion pictures. 

Frances Challf backs up Mary 
Moore in her recital next Sunday. 

Phil. Dunning, with Frances and 
Virginia due back from Mexico this 

: Otto Pommer, formerly of Brooks 
Rental Co., now with Eaves Cos- 
tume. Co. 

An iri,c. and a waiter fought it 
out in the Golden Gloves final. The 
•waiter won. 

Hal Home back with one of those 
Florida kissers, but still squawking 
about his cold. 

Camille Dreyfuss, husband of Jean 
Tennyson (Tollies'), made, a che- 
valier of the Legion d'Honneur^ .. 

'Uncle' Harry Kaufman (Kay, the 
ticket man) gave beefsteak party to 
•Follies' cast and ensemble Satur- 
day. '■ 

Some day somebody will know all 
the names of Eddy Edelson's cock- 
tail guests at one and the same; 
time;- 

Lang and' Squires are repeating 
ion the S. S. Rotterdam on one of 
those Bermuda cruises. Mrs. Lang 
(Berniee Haley) is going along. 

Motion Picture Club's reunion' 
April 14 in the Bond Bldg. . at a 
cocktail shindig with stage, . screen 
celebs, officiating. Arnold Van Leer 
now p.a.ing the MP Club. 

Evelyn Gerstein, N. T. film corr. 
for the Boston Transcript, has 
written half a play. Robert Lee 
Johnson, one of Prof. 1 Baker's Tale 
'boys, wrote ths other half. 

Many show-conscious Broad*- 
wayltes motored to Harlem for the 
Easter Parade street scene, eschew- 
ing the more conservative annual 
6th Ave. promenade. : Better: show 
uptown. , 

Leon & Eddie's advance . an- 
nouncement of a cocktail party to 
Jimmie Durante was -construed by 
Metro as pre-advertlsing, so L. & E 
hosted visitors who came to see 
Schnoz. with the g. of h, hot present. 

Ralph Beaver Strassburger, the 
Philly millionaire, took his. Cartier 
watch off his chain and donated it 
to Harry Rosenthal as something 
by which George Harris Rosenthal 
(the new heir, named for Cohan 
and Harris)' to remember him by. 



CHATTE 




London 



Vienna 



rich Glass 



'Ball at the Savoy' 100 up. 
Stefan Zweig busy oh 'Mary 
tuart* noveL 

Hugo Thimig celebrating his 80th 
birthday June 15. 

Author Paul Frischauer planning 
to go to England. 

Performances of English Players 
sold out at the Scala; 

Werner Krauss to play 'Richard 
IIP at Burg 1 in May and June. 
. Bolvary-flim 'Spring Nights lii 
Nice" running in 11 p"ic houses. 

Stefan Wagner presenting 'Every- 
man* in front of Karl's Church in 
June. 

Ullrich Bettac signed with Kaethe 
Dorsch and a. company for South 
America. 

Ton! Reis of State Opera shot by 
youngster in restaurant who played, 
with reVolver. 

Ralph Benatzky here to assist 
production of his latest 'Little Cafe" 
now under way at the Volks. 

Paul Hartmann to play Essex op- 
. posite Hefmihe Koerher in Hans 
Schwarz* 'Rebel in England' at the 
Shauspielhaus, Berlin. 

Rita Georg's trunks . safely re? 
turned from Paris with nothing 
fishy discovered in them; thus 
Stavlsky case did Rita little harm 
and .gave her much publicity. . 



Toronto 



Baton-wielding ilbert Watson oft 
to England, but he'll be back next 
month. 

Margaret Ahgli , whose father 
was Speaker in the Canadian Seri- 
ate, will holiday here in April. 

Bubbles Humphreys, late of Em- 
pire stock, is now in British flickers 
under the tag of Violet Locksley. 

Catherine Proctor will . bo up 
from the Big Town to guest-star in 
the Radio Commission's dramas.' 

That house on University' Ave. 
where Mary Plckford .was. -born is 
about to.be turned into a tea room. 



Harry Fost - flying to Paris. 
. Rowland Baker at Savoy. 

The Adney Gibbons in a marital 
split. 

Owen Nares slightly, hurt in aufc 
smash. 

Alexander Wollcott around with 
Noel Coward. 

Lupino Lane' starting an .academy 
for comedians. 

•Cross Your Fingers' temporarily, 
shelved at BIP. 

Paul and Walter' 
Berlin, for. month. : 
. Harry Norris fully recovered 
from throat trouble. 
' Douglas Byng planning return 
visit to America soon. 

Carly le . Blackwell eating chop 
siiey in Piccadilly, solo. 

Gaumont-British well represented 
at the Grand 1 rational. 

-Somerset Maugham says hes 
through with stage writing- t 

DeWOlfe, Metcalf and Ford at the 
Scala, Berlin; month of April. 
■ Bob Murphy trying to sell idea of 
a new musical ; to Jack Buchanan. 

Keith Clark off to Soviet Russia 
to show them a couple of tricks 
• Jack Waller difficult to convince 
there is mOriey in the film racket. 

H. G. Wells inundated with film 
Offers since 'Invisible Man' clicked, 
General Theatres realizing that 
Donald Peers is- a worthwhile new 
comer. 

Gina =Malo rushing to have a 
private row with her agent, Harry 
Foster. 

Cab Calloway the subject of a 
political cartoon the Daily 

Herald. 

There is a strong rumor, of a new 
show going into the Saville theatre 
April 17. 

Maurice Winnick thinks he has 
discovered a new sensation in Frank 
Coleman. . 

John W. Hicks and family due 
back here in July, and will rent an 
apartment. 

John Southern looking for a mu 
sical or farce to replace vaudeville 
at Garriek. 

Da*£id Bader breaking into the 
Sunday . sheets with a story on film 
talent hunt. 

Mrs. Roy Fox having her appen 
dix put prior to visiting her folks 
in America. 

Matt. McKeigue lunching with 
13ir John Reith and the American 
Ambassador. 

Barry O'Neill, Mae West's leading 
man in 'Sex,' back to his town town, 
which is London. 

Bob Ritchie here, with other bust 
hess in hand besides the handling 
of Cliff Edwards. 

Now that her mother is dead 
Drena, Beach wants to play .more 
dates in England. 

Elizabeth Bergner being received 
by the Queen during performance 
of 'Escape Me Never/ 

Laura la Piante mobbed by auto- 
graph hounds at 'Good MOrnlng, 
Bill' premiere at Daly's 

So many American stooges 
around that a stooges' union is se 
riously being considered, 

Billy Bleach, for many years 
booker for Stoll Circuit, now script 
reader for same concern. 

Bunny Austin, tennis champ, 
conducting the draw for 'Magnolia 
Street' National Sweepstake 

Spread three feet square . outside 
Westminster book-store advertising 
Frank Scully's 'Fun in Bed.' 

Syd Tr_cy looking for book 
maker to bet. on the Lincoln, but 
couldn't find one. Horse won. 

•Roberta* will be Bobby Howe's 
next vehicle, and is likely for the 
Gaiety to follow 'Sportiijg Love.' 

Jack Wolf Barnato throwing 
swell party at the Savoy, with the 
'Three Sailors' as the attraction; 

Fred Astaire nearly brought off 
the. Lincoln and National, double 
Backed the. second for the National. 

Jose Levy, : London theatrical 
manager, awarded. Legion of Honor 
for services to French dramatic art. 

Gladys Gunn (Mrs. Leslie Hen- 
Son) replacing Ruth Maitland in 
'Three Sisters,' new Drury Lane 
show. 

Jack Vbtion threatening to fly to 
Berlin to sign' non-Aryans. Who are 
suited for ..other besides German 
flickers* 

Cliff 'Ukelele Ike' Edwards here- 
after several years. Opening at 
Clro's Club middle of April for 
three weeks. 

Jimmy Barker Of London ilros 
writing scenarios, in between mak- 
ing up Bergner, Fairbanks and 
Merle.. Oberon 



the Savoy goes to the Gaiety; after 
provincial -try-out, 
Lawrence Wright has published 
brochure all about his wife and 
baby, which he is circulating 
among his Intimates. 

Tom Walls' soldier son won 
Grand Military Gold Cup at San- 
down Park, March 16, on mare 
trained by the comedian. 

Richard of Bordeaux' author, 
Gordon Daviot, following first sucr 
cess with new play, 'The Laughing | 
Woman,': at the New, April 6. 



Carole Lombard, oft the moun- 
tains 

Donald Cook up to Frisoo visiting 
mother; 

Garrett Fort ar writ 

lng staff. 

Harvey Gates developing a yen 
for sail boats. 

Pittsburgh Pirates free lunching 
Jeffrey Berherd arrived at Davos, I at Warners, 
Switzerland, to visit his sick wife, pfLul Gerar( j Smith black and blue 
and immediately stricken with ap- from riding a mule, 
pehdicitis and operated upon. \ , v ' a « * rm 

'Piccadilly Circus/ CecU Landau- Dick Dickson fractured an arm 
Eric Maschwitz musical, which has while playing polo 
been on the shelf , for years,, likely | Jean. Arthur .arid_hubby, Frank 



to be done as a film by Gaumont- 
British. , 

Strand theatre reopens March 28 
with William Hurbut's 'Bride of 
the Lam', re-named 'The Bride', to 
pacify English censor. Gyes Isham 
in lead. 



Ross, back from. N. Y. 

Irving Kahal out of the hospital 
after- a two weeks' stay. 

J. J. Milstein in the Good Samari- 
tan for tonsil elimination. 

Earl . Carroll trekking to N.Y..- to 



Paris 

By Bob Stern 



Max Berman bought an elephant Produce his 'Sketch Rook 



for -Chu Chin Chow* film, and now, 
after finishing of film, wants to 
raffle him; claiming he is eating up 
the profits. 
Dorothy Escb awarded $1,60& for 



Lillian Bond vacationing at Ar- 
rowhead and Palm Springs. 

Tom Sanson press blurbing I^ela 
Rogers' * Holly town • show house. , 
Arthur Sheekraari has fallen heir 



injuries received last year through to Arthur , K< ? b e r ^ t houses-man 
taxi crushing her on set while she Virginia Lee Corbhv n .retirement 

was awaiting an interview at Brit- four years, back for whirl atplx- 
ish & Dominions studios.. Richard Schayer holds the^ title of 

Last minute awitch at Ptoa- 'Bos'n! n a^ew y^hU^eiroup. , 
mount's Carlton ia "Death Takes a Al Kingston-Dave Harris agency 

Holiday' replacing •Bolero' instead pufiing out with three more onlcep. 
of 'Wonder Bar.* Latter going to I Jack Maurice, former stunt man, 



Plaza, * another Par. house. 

Joe Schenck has option on 'Battl- 
ing Butler,' English musical done 
here 10. years ago, with Jack Buch 
anan starred. If idea materializes, 
Buchanan will again- play lead. 

M. Willson Disher, Mail dra- 
matic critic/ has his first play, 
'Having No Hearts,' ' down for pro 
ductibn early in April at the Mer 
cury theatre — a small try-out 
house. . 
Latest income tax scare is a pro 



into the agency biz in Beverly Hills 
.Gus Kahn spahklrig up lyrics for 
Operator 13' tunes at Palm Springs. 

Douglas McLean and wife leave 
here April 4 for a vacash in HOnd: 
lulu. 

Claudia Coleman sued for. $365.66 
for an alleged unpaid mortician's 
bill. 

Harvey Waxreri and Al Dubln 
tuning out for N.Y. on month's 

William: Powell bought a lot next 



posal to levy on tips handed out to to Richard Barthelmess' home in 
taxi-men; stewards, waiters, caddies I Beverly. 



— in fact all who get tips. . Govern- 
ment figures on an extra $5,000,000 
this way. 



San Francisco 

By Harold Bock 

rj ' 

Al Pearce is off the ■ air for a 
few days to permit a, little fishing. 

Nelson Case penned a new tune 
and Meredith Wllleon will air it 
sOOn. 

Floyd St. John packing his bags 
for Atlantic City's Monogram con 

vention. 

Jules Levy came In to watch 
•Wild Cargo's' opening at the Gold- 
en Gate 

Lee Fleming Is set with his band 
for Rio Nido on the Russian River 
this summer. 

Dat ole debbil neuritis got a toe 
hold on Bill Andrews and threw 
him for a loss. 

J. J. Franklin te in again and 
still talking about that projected 
chain of theatres. 

Mona Greer returned from Texas, 
where she rUshed to the bedside of 
her ailing daughter. 

Robert young around town for 
a few days.; Leo Morrison in to 
breathe the fog, too. 

Daily papers dug up Bronco 
Billy Anderson,, who's running the 
Continental hotel here. 

Murray and Harris write from 
Shanghai that they're cafe-ing 
there until early June. 

. Ted- Maxwell and John -Wolfe got 
themselves a mess of black bass 
over the weekend .at Clear Lake. 

Jack Seltenrich, Wilbur Stump, 
Paul McNally and Stella Rheingold 
entertaining at MOntmartre club. 

Phyllis Bottome, English novel- 
ist, houseguesting In Frisco with 
Forbes-Dennis 



Bob Lockhart^ owner of a. treas 
ure-house. of ancient bills and pro- 
grams, writing his rerriiniscehcerf Of 
the early theatre in Canada. 

Late of Empire stock and the wife 
of n local college prof.., Jane Mallett 
is roturning here to stage a series 
of Dorothy Parker monolpgs at the 
snooty Hart house.' 

Vaughan Glaser will head a hew 
stock company going into the Dan- 
forih Theatre about May 1, Vincent 
<la Vita now designing the curtain 
&n<l .supervising decorating: 



'Cat in the Bag,' , 
McKay continental musical, talked 
of as a successor to. 'Gay Divorce' 
at the Palace.. 

Lyons' restaurant selling their 
own— make of chewing guni' at half 
the price charged by the American 
manufacturers. 

Very Important picture theatre 
circuit put on restricted credit list 
by the K. R. S., which has never 
happened before. 

Tomson Brothers revue, 'Why not 
to-Night?' originally scheduled for 



Harvey Gates' yacht beat those of 
Richard Schayer and Mike Boylan 
in a race. 

Winnie Sheehan tossed a feed for 
the Fox gang to get acquainted with 
Gabe Yorke. 

James Wright Brown, head of 
Editor and Publisher, double-o'ihg 
the studios. 

Sol Wurtzel building a bungalow 
to house "himself and staff oh the 
Fox Western lot. 

Don McEIwain and Eddie Hitch 
cock off the Metro advertising , and 
exploitation staff. 

Eddie Gray and Ell H. Leslie have 
opened a .business management of 
flee for film people. 

Bill Pine's dog, Frisky, a family 
pet for 11 years, died the day before 
Pine returned home. 

Sam Goldwyn, tired of eating in 
the studio cafe, has reopened his 
private dining room. 

Lola Adams Gentry back from 
Indianapolis, where she attended 
funeral of her mother. 

Sol Lesser and his wife celebrated 
their 22nd wedding anniversary with 
a trek to Boulder. Dam. 

Edgar. Mose, Fox div. mgr. for 
Pittsburgh, Washington and Phila- 
delphia, o.o'ing studios. 

Film row helped Bessie Bogart, 
oldest film booker in L.A., celebrate 
a birthday anniversary. 

Larry Barbler, who has been 
handling the still dept. at. Metro 
for five years, : resigned. 

Robert Lord, who quit the Acad- 
emy for the Screen Writers' Guild, 
has asked to be reinstated. 

Mrs. Wallace Beery is in the Ce- 
dars .-'of Lebanph hnspital for obser- 
vation. Condition not serious. 

Abe Meyer is reported giving up 
his indie musical and synchroniza- 
tion biz to join Par musical dept. 

Eleanor Holm off for Chicago to 
take part in a swimming meet. 
Hubby' Arthur Jarrett Staying here. 
Bert Levey back from 'Frisco and 



Bagdad, niterie, closing April 16. 
Ambassadeurs restaurant opening 
April 17. 

. L. Tpeplitz in from Lon 

Beatrice Wanger giving exclusive 
dance recital. . 

. Mary McCormic singi 
fly' at Opera Comic , 

Ex- Stavlsky Empire due to re-? 
open as nlm house. 
. Harry Gold's jazz hand at Kren- 
gel's Champs Elysees. 

Alexander Kamenka of Albatross: 
Films getting Legion of Honor. 

Cecile Sorel saying she'll take the 
Casino de Paris revue to New York. 

•Henry VIII' in eighth week at 
Cameo, after long run at. Lord 
Byron. 

Lucienne Boyer, quizzed in Sta- 
vlsky . inquiry, denying that: she 
knew him. 

Edward Hope and family passing 
through on way, to their place on 
the. Riviera. 

'Arabella,' new Richard Strauss 
operaetta, getting. French premiere 
at Monte Carlo. 

'Chimes of Normany' is current 
Offering in a tough operetta season 
at the Alhambra. 

William Haines, passing through 
on way to Athensi putting in a good 
word for Hollywood. 

Marcelle Genist> enlisting other 
stage people in. charity sale at 
Rothschild Foundation. 

Iha Claire, passing through. Cannes 
with Prince. Ferdinand of Liechten- 
stein, denying marriage rumors. 

Lucienne Boyer escaping with 
mere shock when her automobile 
overturns on way to Paris from 
performance at Rennes. 

Sammy Pearce, late of Par Join- 
vllle labs, having his first bit in 
Bacos' 'Un Fil a la Patte' ('Tied 
Up*), showing at the Rex 

J. : Carlisle MacDonald, once the 
New York Times rep here, now a 
capitalist, or something* back, home 
in the Rue de Longchamp. 
. Ludwig Lewisobn broadcasting 
for America from' Radio Colonial* 
His wife, Tbelma Spear, singing 
French songs on same program. 

Paiis went black with fog at 3 
p.m. on March 22 and electric light 
station cracking at same time, 
Work continued by candlelight. . 

Henriette Barreau of Comedle 
Francaise company winning contest 
for most beautiful eyes in Paris 
under pseudonym of Mme. DumOnt, 
Louis Jouvet will do Jean Coc- 
teau.'s 'Infernal Machine' at the 
Comedie des Champs Elysees at the 
end of the current 'Outward Bound', 
run. 

. Gertrude Stein, turning Women's 
Ciubbish, speaking on her opera and ' 
'Making of Americans' at Friday 
book hour of American Women's 
club here. 

. Ambassadeurs theatre announc- 
ing it will reopen Steve Passeur'a 
'Bete Noire' ('Black Beast'), with 
Francoise Rosay replacing Splnelly 
in the lead. 

Adaptation , by Suzanne ■ Gervais 
and Fortunat Strowski of Watcher 
Hughes' 'Hell Bent for Heaven* bet- 
ing played, at Vieux Colombler by 
Rideau group. Not getting too good 
a hand.. 



hubby, Capt; E. A. . a 

Ed and Peg Fitzgerald having northern points, where he went to 
trouble with their dog Moppsle u ne up prospective vaude booking 
again: this time it was meal of dates. 

nails. Pbi-ter Emerson Browne to N.Y 

Arch BOwles, Walt Roesner, Hor^- | a nd London. While In the east will 



ace Heldt and Bob Kimlc made a 
foursome at golf but score is still 

d, secret, 

Benay Venuta flew In from Chi 
cago : over the weekend and planed 
back to Detroit to open at the Ath 
letic Club 

Pauline Dugart of the Yeoman 
ettes suddenly seized by appen 
dicltjB while rehearsing and rushed 
to a hospital, 
Frank SIgillisi, legit trjeasurer for 



arrange rehearsals for his hew play, 
'The Bad Woman'. 

Harry Rapf, working constantly 
at Metro for a year after his long 
illness, has started on a month'H 
vacash to Honolulu with his wife. 

Celebrating the 26th wedding an- 
niversary Tiif her parents, Dr. and 
Mrs. Lee Jewell, Isoboil Jewell flung 
a party for the couple's intimate 
friends. 

John Decker, former N.Y. World 



many years, buried this week; Otto cartoonist, and J. Belmar Hall, 



Kegel,_. symphony Ubrarian, an- 
ether t wh^•'•passed S5S o^rE ,, ''" 

Lake Merritt Hotel, Oakland, is 
enlarging its dining and dancing 
room and has Jimmy Bachelor's or- 
chestra for the music. a 

Boys of Gus Arnheim's band 
tossed a party for Jimmy Newell 
and his bride-to-be, but the honor 
guests forgot to show up. 

Slim Summerville. in town to re- 
cuperate from a mfcar-breakdown, 
has l>eon doing It to Kay Ky«cr'» 
music at the Bal Tabarin nearly 
every night with his nurse. 



stage director, opening a replica , of 
^ony^Pastor^s^aricty^hall^in— the 
heart of Hollywood. 

Mae West is offering a trophy for 
the winner of the men's tennis* 'sin- 
gles In the Paramount tourney April 
8^15, and will give a. diamond ring 
to the winner of the ASC golf event,. 
April 8, 

Jack Warner goes on the Acad-. 



The Hague 

By M. W. Etty Leal 

Business is slow on upgrade here. 
National Revue coming to fore 
here. 

Foreign talent in concert halls is 
dwindling. 

Holland sche Scouwburg, one Of 
Amsterdam's former most popular 
theatres, up for sale now. 

With Dutch talker 'The Sailors' 
at the City Cinema now in Its sixth 
week, which is a recox-d, a new pub- 
lic is entering picture houses. This 
consists of those who don't . under-,: 
stand foreign tongues "and hate 
dubbing. 

Town Council- of Amsterdam of- 
fering a prize for champion ehlmer. 
All those who are experts in bell- 
tolllng invited to the city this sum- 
mer. Contest being held in June 
and carillon of. Royal Palace at 
Amsterdam will be' used. 



Montreal 




i leaves for Europe 



Betty Graham mugged in local 
press. 

Fans falling for fan danceB at- 

Embassy cabaret. 

Raoul Clouthier and party to New 
York for Easter. 

Anna Malenfant, CKAC contralto, 
nibbled, for by NBC. 

Epidemic of children's 
breaking out in Montreal. 

Baz O'Meara explaining prophe- 
cies on Maroons-Hawks game. 

C. S. Peters has tough job pick- 
ing Canada's. Davis Cuj^Players. , 

Pat Lynch out in front 61 EasTer" 
Parade with brown spring ensemble. 

. Eddie Sanborn and boys out front 
currently. as vatule act and get big 
hand; 

No Montreal-Quebec highway 
open before end -of April, is fore- 
cant. 

Municipal election meetings etio> 
week with little effect on main 

. Gauvin fighting to get Grftttd 
(Continued on page 63) 



62 



VARIETY 



Tuesday, April 3, 1934 



OBITUARIES 



i 



JOSEPH W, STERN 

Joseph W. Stern* 64, for 40 years 
In the music publishing business, 
died at his home, Brightwaters t L. I., 
March 31 irom a heart stroke suf- 
fered two hours before. He had 
been at his office in the Brill build- 
ing during, the day and apparently 
had no premonition of the attack. 

He" went into the music publish- 
ing business in the '90s, in partner- 
ship with Edward B. Marks, the 
firm title being Jos. W. Stern & 
Co. MarltB Jater bought Stern out 
and changed the Arm name. The 
business was based on .'The Little 
Lost Child' to which he had written 
the music while his partner contrib- 
uted the lyrics. They had been 
traveling salesmen and formed a 
partnership to get the most out of 
their work. They followed their 
Initial hit with 'My Mother Was a 
Lady' and other sobbing ditties 
current in that day, and they devel- 
oped a number of leading song 
writers, frequently leading their 
rivals in the number of their cur- 
tent hits. 

. When the talking pictures upset 
tine 1 music business he retired from 
active work, but again set up an 
office in January last. 
• lie is survived by his widow, a 
fcigter and a brother, Henry R.. Stern, 
who is a composer under the nom- 
de-plume ot. S. R. Henry. 

MONTROSE J. MOSES 

Montrose Jonas Mose^, dramatic 
critic and commentator, dled ; in 
New York March 29, following a 
stroke sustained the week, before. 
JKe at various times was drama 
critic of the Reader, Independent, 
Book News Monthly and the Bell- 
man. He was better Known for his 
books, which included critical stud- 
ies of many of the dramatists, 'Fa- 
mous Actor Families of Americ^a', 
•The Literature of the South' and 
['The Fabulous Forest'. He also 
edited many editions of the stand 
ard and modern drama. 

His first wife, Lucille, was the 
daughter of James A. Hearne, Fol- 
lowing her death he married Leah 
•Agnes Hogatallng, who survives 
him. Two sons and two sisters also 
curvive. 



Island) stock, company .and had 
been active in the theatre for more 
than half a century. 

Survived by .his widow, a daugh- 
ter, two brothers. and a sister. 



ADOLPHE DUMONT 

Adolphe Dumorit, 46, musical 
director of station WON,, died sud- 
denly in Chicago on March 27. 

Dumont came to this country from 
Paris, where both his parents were 
high in musical circles. He became 
established in Chicago as musical 
director iri several Balaban & Katz 
theatres. He joined the : WGN staff 
in June, 1933. His own instrument 
was the violin.. 

Widow 1 survives. Burial in Chi- 
cago. 



LOUIS ZURO 

Louis Zuro, 69, for many years 
stage manager for Oscar Hammer 
stein's operatic ventures, died 4n 
New York March 28 after an illness 
of only a day. . 

He was active in other operatic; 
promotions, Including, gra'hd opera 
at Ebbetts Field, Brooklyn, and lor 
several years before the war he con- 
ducted grand opera at popular prices 
oh the east side. His son, Josiah 
Zuro, died in Hollywood three years 
ago. He was also a musical director. 

Mr. Zuro is survived by his widow 
and a son, William . 



tery, Opened the first PantageS 
theatre in Dawson, Alaska, in 1901, 
with Ralph Cummings. 

Survived ' by his widow* MrB. 
Jessie Tate. 



stock In Minneapolis for two sea- 
sons and had filled many other stock 
engagements. 

Survived by his widow and a-| 
brother. 



RICHARD CONN 

Richard Conn, 63, for six years or- 
chestra leader at the hotel Vander- 
bllt, but idle for the past two years, 
killed himself by gas poisoning in 
his New York studio March 28. He 
had been forced to sell hiu piano and 
was unable t6 give piano lessons. 
He was a pupil of Leschetizky, 
Paderewski's teacher, and also had 
studied under. Joseflfy. 
No known relatives; 



HUBERT EDWARD CARPENTER 

Hubert Edward . Carpenter, 65, 
known to the London stage since 
1895, did there March - 27; Best 
known as a Shakespearean actor, he 
had been prominent in 'Chu Chin 
Chow' and' has played in 'Trilby,' 
'Prisoner of Zenda' and 'Joseph and 
His Brethren.' He toured the United 
States in 1923 with Sir John Martin 
Harvey; 



HENRY T. PARKER 

Henry Taylor Parker, 67, drama 
and music critic who won fame on 
both sides of the ocean as 'H.TJEV, 
died Friday night (30) at f»eter 
Bent Brlgham hospital in Boston, 
after a week's illness of pneumonia^ 
He had been 40 years on the Boston 
Eyehlng Transcript. 



JOSEPH G. BRINKLEY 

Joseph G. Brinkley, 23, former as- 
sistant manager of Loew's Palace, 
Memphis, died at' Bristol; Va., Mon- 
day night (26) of tuberculosis. 



other of Jack : Pegler (Lord .& 
Thomas), Westbrook Pegler, Col- 
umnist, and wife of Arthur James 
Pegler, of the .-If. Y. Mirror, died in 
Yonkers, N. Y., March 25. 



FLORENCE MURTH 

Florence Murth, 32, film actress in 
the silent days, died March 29 in 
Los Angeles. She worked in Mack 
Sennett and Al Christie comedies 
and doubled for Irene Rich. 
Viyed by her mother, two sisters and 
a brother: 



Father of Tom Davenport, assist- 
ant manager Loew's Valencia, Bal- 
timore. March 30. Burial In Balti- 
more. 



- DAVID Rl 

David Rice, 38, financier of fra- 
ternal, theatrical enterprises, died in 
Los Angeles March 26 after a lin- 
gering illness: Rice, a Chicagoan, 
was taken to the Coast some time 
ago by his brother, Andy, a writer. 

Survived by his father, Dr. Henry 
Rice, Mrs. Clara gchayer and Mrs. 
Lew Fields, sisters, and three other 
brothers, Sam and Morris, known in 
vaude as Rice Bros., and William. 
Funeral in Los 'Angeles. 



CHARLES P. MORRISON 

Charles Phelps Morrison, 71, died 
in New York March 25, following a. 
long illness. He had appeared in 
stock companies and In vaudeville 
and with'his wife, Henrietta Lee, he 
'played in road revivals of a num- 
ber of Hdyt comedies. In vaude- 
ville they were teamed as Morrison 
and Lee, playing the important 
time, and following his vaudeville 
experiences he played for Al Woods 
and Klaw & Erlanger. He was in 
'Just Around the Corner'., 'The Girl 
from Rector's', 'The Girl in the 
Taxi* , and 'Gypsy Love*. Interment 
was in' Mount, Olivet, Queens. 
His widow survives. 



LUKE CON NESS 

Luke Conness, 62, died in Ford- 
ham' hospital.. March 29 of a stroke 
Ho was stricken two days pre- 
viously while touring the CCC with 
the CWA players ..offering 'The 
Patsy'. 

He fou lchmbhd (Staten 



OTTO H. KAHN 

Otto H. Kahn, 68, of Kuhri, Loeb 
& Co., died suddenly. March, 29, of a 
heart attack. 

The banker had for years been 
the mainstay of the Metrop.oitan 
Opera Co. and a patron of the arts 
in general. HiB firm figured impor 
tantly in the affairs of Paramount 
and other picture 6ompanles, though 
these activities were a minor matter 
among its larger ventures. 

EDWARD W. ROWLAND 

Edward W. Rowland, 67, for many 
years head of the . Holly wood (Cal.) 
Playhouse, died in Hollywood 
March 26, following a heart attack. 
Before coming to the Coast 14 years 
ago he headed the theatrical firm of 
Rowland and Clifford in Chicago. 
Retired one year ago after suffering 
a stroke. 

Born in New York, Rowland is 
survived by his son,. Edward, Jr., 
who resides in N. Y. 



AGNES BRAND LEAHY 

Agnes Brand Leahy, "42, wife of 
Fred" Leahy, production manager at 
Paramount, died in Sin Francisco 
March 31 after a protracted illness. 

She had been With Paramount for 
the past 16 years as script girl, title 
writer, film editor and screen play- 
wright. 

BEATRICE HARLOW 

Mrs; Agnes Arnold, of Buffalo,, 
once professionally known as 
Beatrice Harlow, was killed in Des 
Moines March 30 when the auto 7 
mobile in which she was driving 
collided, with a freight train. 

LOUISE DYER DINEHART 

Louise Dyer Dinehart, 39, former 
wife of Alan Dinehart, died in Floral 
Park, L, I., March 27, She obtained 
a divorce from the actor in 1932, 
retiring from the stage shortly after 

Survived by a son, Alan, Jr., and 
her parents. 

WILLIAM C. GORDON 

William C. Gordon, 49, best re 
membered for his work in Gilbert 
and Sullivan, died In the New York 
hospital March 30 of pneumonia 
For the past two years he has been 
a salesman. 



(Continued from page 19) 
houses to make minimum admis- 
sion 15c In place of 10c. 

Exhibs and operators still dead- 
locked over wage scale, but men 
remaining on despite no new con- 
tracts signed. Operators demand 
10% boost. 

Fennlmpre, Wis. 
Fenway, town's talker and stage 
house, sustained fire loss of $4,000 
which originated back stage. In- 
terior ruined by water, smoke and 
fire. 



LOUIS A. BEATTY 

Louis A. Beatty, 48, theatrical 
producer, died suddenly in his office 
in Wilmington, March 29, of heart 
trouble. He had been in the theat- 
rical business since 1921. 



GUS SAVILLE 

Gus Savllle, ■ 77, actor, who made 
his debut at the F. Bi Conway's 
Park theatre in Brooklyn in 1869, 
died in Hollywood, March 25. Hol- 
lywood Troupers* Club had charge 
of the funeral in " Holly wood ceffie- 



AUGUSTA BURMESTER 

Augusta Burmester, 74, pioneer 
stage actress and members of the 
Troupers, Inc., died in Los Angeles 
March 28. Burial was made in Val- 
halla, Cal. 



ROBERT H Y.MAN 

Robert Hyman, 49, died at his 
home in Flora Park, L. I., March 30. 
He was with the Buzz Bainbridge 




Newark. 

RKO has taken back Proctor's 
and Skburas' Terminal, H. R. Erode 
to manage all. . . • 

Moe Kreidel has taken Strand, 
East Orange. 



Los. Angeles. 
Kenneth Bushey, for si* years 
asst. mgr. oj Loew's State here for 
F-WC, moves over to the F- « M. 
Paramount today (2) to become 
house manager. Replaces M. H. 
(Doc) Howe, who will handle the 
Olseri and Johnson engagement for 
F. & M. at the Mayan, starting 
Thursday '(B)'. Frank Kilduff, from 
the F-WC Florence, replaces Bushey 
at the State. 

Expansion, that will take in addi- 
tional towns in Colorado, as well as 
art invasion of northern Texas, is 
contemplated by Gibraltar theatres, 
now operating extensively in the 
Rocky Mountain states. Circuits 
principal houses presently are in 
Scott's Bluff, Neb.; Casper, Wyo.; 
Santa Fe, N.M., and small towns 
in Colorado. 

. Operation of the Larchmont, nabe 
deluxer, was taken over yesterday 
(Sun.) by Fox West Coast. House, 
an 850 seater, is added to Al Han- 
son's Los Angeles division. Harry 
Garson, former indie film producer, 
installed as house manager by 
F-WC. Circuit is closing in Cali- 
fornia, Glendale, May 1, for the 
summer.. Circuit will continue to 
have five houses in operation in the 
neighboring city. 

Long Beach, 
Operation "of '-the Capitol,' product 
first run here, has been turned oyer 
to Isaac Victor by Milt Arthur, who 
has been running the house: Upon 
taking house over. Wednesday (4) 
Victor will close his Pike, subse- 
quent run, immediately adjoining 
the CapitoL 



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Pes Moi 
ri-State Theatres Corp. has re- 
sumed the Bublix policy of district 
managers, appointing Evert B. 
Cummings, who was at one time a 
division manager for Publix, as 
district manager for Tristaco in 
Omaha and Sioux City. 

Stanley Brown becomes district 
manager for Des Moines, Ottumwa 
and Waterloo, and Joe Kinsky be-, 
comes district manager for Cedar 
Rapids and! the tri-clties. 

Under the reorganization Joe 
Rosenfleld goes to the Paramount 
from the Orpheum, Omaha, and 
Ralph Goldberg will now devote all 
of his time to the W orld Real ty Co. 
o'f'Omaha. — - 



Baby Stars 



(Continued from page 3) 
fourth billing on title and adver- 
tising as the '13 Baby Stars,' and 
also have individual screen Intro- 
duction as baby stars with images 
after main title* Warners ' will 
probably protest through the Hays 1 
organization against Schulberg 
claiming previous rights to girls. 

Mark Larkin of Wampas says 
that girls^. would only have been 
chorines in, the Warner picture iand 
that Beveral objected while the 
Schulberg flicker - gives them a 
chance to do bits and possibly talk 
lines; also Paramount deal pro- 
vides that three of the girls bo 
chosen for three-month minimum 
contract at studio, contingent on 
long term options by studio. This 
same proposition was offered by 
Warners' deal. .. 

Deal with Warners was being 
negotiated by George Landy, presi- 
dent of body, as an individual, as 
Wampas is an unincorporated body. 

Previous plan to present the girls 
also on a commercial air program 
is not altogether dead, with a prob- 
ability that the 13 baby stars will 
figure on Some commercial network 
program. 

Excluding studio, cpntractees the 
Wampas was confined in., its pick- 

Lo gi r l s— with— Vfcry- -little-H?lc- — 
ture experience. List for the most 
part was V.de up of girls now 
extras or doing bits, former Fan- 
chon & Marco line girls and spe- 
cialists, and a few who have had 
some stage experience, chiefly in 
little theatres. 

The Chosen 13 
The 13 elected are Judith Arlen, 
former specialty dancer for F&M; 
Betty Bryson; niece of Warner 
Baxter; Jean Carmen, , former F&M 
line girl, Heiene Cohan, daughter 
of George M. Cohan; Dorothy 
Drake, in shorts; Jean Gale, of the 
3 Gale Sisters, vaude; Hazel Hayes, 
singer from musical comedy and 
radio; Ann Liovey, who had second 
femme lead in Warners' 'Wild Boys 
of the Road'; Lucille Lund, brought 
here by Universal as winner of its 
•All- American' beauty contest; Lu 
Anne Meredith, now In— Harold 
Lloyd's 'Cat's Paw'; Gi Gi Parrish. 
former little theatre player now 
with Monogram; Jacqueline Wells, 
Pasadena Community player and 
formerly under contract at Para- 
mount; Katherine Williams, for- 
merly in community plays in. Seat- 
tle, Pasadena and Beverly Hills 
and recently in RKO's 'Dover- Road.' 

Traditionally the girls in 14th 
and 15th place are named as alter- 
nates. This year six were tied in 
these spots so all were named al- 
ternates. This sextet are Jean Chat- 
burn, Dorothy Granger, Jtfeoma 
Judge, Lenbre Keefe, Mary Korn- 
man and Irene Ware. 

Day before the baby star elec- 
tion, Fox following its precedent 
set in 1931 rnd in line With Para- 
mount's action of a few weeks ago, 
picked its own four to be bally- 
hooed in competition with the press 
agents' slate. " 

. Four chosen to carry baby honors 
for that studio are. Alice Faye, Pat 
Paterson, Claire Trevor and Rose- 
mary Ames. They are dubbed 'Fox 
Debutantes" of ,1034.' 

Newly elected Wampas baby 
stars wjll make their first public 
appearance as a group at the con- 
vention' banquet of the Motion Pic- 
ture Theatre Owners" of America, 
April 12. 

The 13 girls will be formally in- 
troduced to the exhibitors and thpir 
guests in some type of presenta- 
tion being arranged by a com- 
mittee of the press agents and Ben 
Berinstein, chairman of the 
MPTOA entertainment committee. 

Wampas, through George Landy, 
president,, put. the 13 baby stars un- 
der contract, with pacts for seven. 
Who are minors to be approved to- 
day (2) by Superior Court. 
.. Contract provides that should any 
of the girls get a part in a plctm" 
after their initial Wampas appear- 
ance on the screen, Wampas waives 
any hold on their future services. 
Clause in the agreement also guar- 
antees starlets to appear without 
reimbursement for any personal ap- 
pearances or radio broadcasts which 
the Waniptis arranges. 



Charlotte, 
M. B. Smith and John Barnwell 
let contract for $30,000 hous^e to 
*>eat 600 at Burlington, N.C. House 
under lease to L. C. Sipe, Charlotte. 

Fl ames originating in projection 
room Of Mebane theatre, Mebane, 
N.C., badly damaged house. Repairs 
go forward immediately. 

Old Ideal theatre, Winston- 
Salem, N.C.. being completely re- 
modeled. 



LETTERS 

Wlipn Sending (oi Mull to 
VARIETY Address Mull Clerk. 
POSTCAKD&. ADVEIITISIXG or 
( IR(I I.Alt I.HTTKRS WIIJ NOT 
Mi AUVEKTISKD 
CTTKRS AUVRRTISEit) l> 
OMi ISSSI'B OM,T 



Hull ..Toscplilne 
I^nnninK T»on 
Aloore A.lii- 



Reod lono 

Slrou'dc 

Wilson 



Tuesday, April 1 3, 1934 



OUTDOORS 



VARIETY 



63 



CHATTE 




(Continued from .'gage 61), . 

Opera Into the Initial/ TTpTng 
■Stalled by stage hands. .. ; , . I 

His Majesty's shows Jewish pjc-: 
ture, 'A yiddische Mama,' ' on- grind! 
Sunday (1) for ' fair gross. ' ' ... J 
. Fight to .finish against . stage 
: hands' and musicians' unions here 
being talked locally, with odds 
favoring the exhibitors. 

United -Amusement .Corporation, 
operating 13 napes locally, shows 
$74,000 net profit in annual report. 
H. L. Nathanson elected director. 

First dramatic feature aired out 
of Canada when NBC takes Can- 
adian Radio Commission's 'Parade 
of the Provinces' for Thursday 
nite's continent-wide, network.,, . 



Chicago 



Charlie - Cottle getting accustomed 
to the loop,again. -, ; 

Bill Pine scooted through ' $own; 
. also Edmund Loyre. . ' 

A. J. Jones to New York 'on 
several picture deals. 

Ray Bolger and Gus Van set for 
the next Chez Paree show.. 

Ram -TA ii* now ha ndling the cata- 
log locally for Harry Engel. 

Witmark office moving into the 
©Id DeSylva, Brown quarters. 

William Diamond a 3?hd degree 
Mason and a Shriner last week '. 

Phil Davis writing a chatter col- 
umn for Chicago Daily Doings* , 

Film relief ball earned. $4,000 for 
the industry's unemployed in Chi^ 
cagb. 

Roy Shields back at the Mer- 
chandise Mart after a load of west 
coast sunshine. 

Ralph Kettering has &■ stop 
watch to prove he's an NBC pro 
ductlon director,. 

Harry Sosnik leaving the Edge 
. water Beach late, in April for a six 
week road tour; - * 

John Mitchell's card announcing 
the bifth of his son is the laugh 
of the week at Publlx. 

Charles Courtney .appointed by 
George Browne to the art. depart 
ment of Columbia pictures. . 
. Don Hoobler, after a number of 
years with Great States, oh his way 
to join the managerial force of Bob 
Q'Donnell in Te}cas. 

Dolores ..Parrot, of the Studeba 
ker, fractured her collar bone : in an 
auto accident that- only shook up 
Horace ista.ve and Emil Lowe. 



about his ailing, but iiriprbving, 
optics. , Cal has moved the whole 
family tot Lincoln. 

• Wrestling bouts becoming: almost 
a weekly event. Abe .Kashi, Ray 
Richards/ Ray Steele; John P^sek, 
Jog ' .Stecher ' the headlihejrs. Gang 
hanging 1 out at the Loyal. . 



Ben Hamerman, son of Frank, 
being groomed for the stage.. ., 

Fox talerjt scout in town, with 
art eye cocked for young blood. 

Spring .dropped in for the holi- 
days' and the theatres, are booming. 

Artie Cohn, Earle p.a.,, spouting 
long- arid hard about new" family ad- 

dition. • ' * 

'Doc' Davis back iff Phllly as Fox 
saies-manager after a two-year 
stretch in Milwaukee, 



Nite ; dubs . opening MPi 



with 



H wood 1st Sportorium, - 
Seating 15,000, Built 



Hollywood, April 2. 

Hollywood's first sport stadium is 
scheduled . to open .latter part of this 
month with Minnie auto races tenta- 
tively, set for initial program. 

Bowl is being built by Earl Gil- 
more, who will also operate, and 
will house many Wands 'of spdrts. 
Will have seating capacity of 16,000 
wtth arrangements made for an 
additional 115,000 if necessary and 
will have a % mile oval track; 



Meyer- Day is leading the .way at 
the swanky Belluvue-Stratford. 

Sam Berman, local exhibitor 
branching out for. a stab at radio, 
has a deal on for a station pur- 

With Film Board of Trade jtuties 
jbtehi'ng; Jack Greenberg down to- 
Stone Harbor, N. J., soon to handle 
his Httie .picture house. . . 

Joe Pehrier's cocktail party for 
the press muggs snared more hews 
space than has been;, copped by a 
celeb 'in years. The guys swam 
home: 



New Haven 

By Harold M. 



can't wait . for 
ogle his - new 



Pittsburgh 

By Hal Cohen 



John Steel 'headlining new floor 
show at Plaza. 

Frank Seltzer and Pat Gar'yh 
here together on a business trip. 

The Mike Cullens to Washington 
to spend Easter weekend with their 
parents, 

George Jaffe taking over house. 
In Atlantic. City for season of sum- 
mer burlesque. 

Stagehands holding benefit raffle 
for Jake Nolte, who had his leg 
amputated at knee. 

Mannie Greenwald dispatched to 
Baltimore by UA to handle cam- 
paign- for 'Sorel and Son.' 

Dorothy McAteer Waring, former 
wife of Fred Waring, has opened 
a specialty dress shop here. 

Ronald Anies, former reporter 
here, in town ahead of Fred Wait- 
ing's dance date next week, 

John Harris back from coast, 
Mrs. staying on there to spend few 
more weeks with her parents. 

Harry — Kalmine ~ ~hinrried : back 
from West Virginia inspection trip 
for. third birthday of his daughter,' 
Joan. 

Neville Fleeson staying for extra 
week to see George Choos unit, for 
which he wrote riiost of its special 
material. 



Omaha 

By John Qui 

irst meeting of NRA code griev- 
ance board set for April Z9 at the 
Loyal, hotel. 

Art Tachman's line, of girls, dou- 
bling week-ends at Cloverlead and 
Peony Park. 

Fausteen Potts producing style 
show for the Electrical Exposition 
scheduled at city auditoiilum April 
2-7. ' 

L. J. Schlatter,. United Artists dis- 
tributor chief from the East, stop- 
Ping off to. see nephew Charlie at 
=~th©HParanrountf 



Al Bobbins just 
that fishing' trip. 

O. E. Wee . in to 
policy at Shubert. 

'Rlgoletto' will give locals a dash 
of opera April IB.- 

Artie Ehehalt on 15th year as 
Musicians' iocal. sec, 

Poll house personnel adopts 
family of white, mice, . 

Ben Cohen off to Brooklyn home- 
stead, for the holidays: 

junior League ties up with Poll's 
on - Sat. a.m. kid shows. 

Gormley and Rollins, ex-vaiide, 
start dance school here. ; . 

Sam Yaffe will tour Russia as ac- 
companist to Grisha Goluboff. 

Half-dozen , marathon . applicants 
throughout estate drew no dice. . • 

Vaude out of College for months; 
but sign still reads, 'Five Big-Time 
Acts.' ; 

Twelve amateur groups Set for 
seventh annual Drama Tourney at 
Taje, April 9-12. : 

.Baltimore 

Ibert Scharper 

Sherry's shutters. 
Helen Patterson back to N. Y, 
Libby Holman in for a day incog. 
Current biggest show biz. week 
of year. 

Lillian Dletz from Chp 

vacash. 

Balmy weather bringing influx of 
pitchmen. 

The race-track crowd -straggling 
up from Florida. 

Don Hix the' new Hearst 'globe- 
trotter' over WFBR, 

Fred Schanberger, sr.; prexy of 
new Maryland Country Club. 

Casa. Lbma crew will supply the 
dansapation ' for U of B's spring 
hop.. 

General "Gaither, local" Pic Code 
Authority, is also Police Commisr 
sioner. 

Charles Emerson Cook Players 
host staffs of ;burg's hospitals at 
dress rehearsals of 'Men in White.' 

Met Opera next week at Lyric, 
April 9-11. Opener, 'Madame But 
terfly;' closer, . 'La Traviata/. Inter- 
mediately, will dual 'Gianni Schlc 
chi' and 'Salome.' 



CINCT BARS SHEESLEY; 
HOLDS CARNEYS EVIL 



Cincinnati, April 2. 
On the opinion of Chief of Police 
William "COpelan that 'carnival out 
fits carry with them a lot of women 
of doubtful character, gamblers an^ 
sure- thing' men' arid gambling: dej 
vices,' City Council has denied a- 
permit to the' Mighty Sheesley 
Shows, inc., for visiting here. 

Carneys 'have .been barred in 
Cihcy for almost, a decade. 
— ATT-agent>-fbr Sheesley outfit 
bargained with the Recreation Com 
mission for a 10-day engagement on 
the Terminal athletic field,: in the 
Negrb section of town, the carney to 
pay the commission $2,500 for 
rental and $500 to the elty for a 
license. • . ■■<,• 

Dr.- Adams criticized the R. C. for 
failure, to investigate the character 
of the show before asking Council 
to approve an agreement for a per- 
mit. 

Mayor Wilson explained that the 
mere Agreement to rent the grounds 
would not have allowed the carney 
to operate without first obtaining a 
permit from the police chief. 



Ra^ph Goldberg planning to ex- 
pand his string of theaters after re- 
signing- his connection With the 
Rlank-Trl-State Co. 

Community Playhouse rehearsing 
- fo . r _ .'Cjmnsflojc^at Law,' A priL- at— 
traction. Casting under way for 
'Tho Great AdvcntiireV in May. 
. Peony Park protesting the l'WA 
reconstruction of the Dodge Road, 
which eventually will put the dance 
spot half mile off the beaten path. 

Cal T?ard commuting from Lin- 
coln twice weekly to see the doc 



Portland 

ill 



Beede 



Andy Saso is minus his tohslls 
Grover 1". ndley tanning by way 
of sun lamp. 

Carl . Werner handling publicity 
for Pantages. 

Frank Andrews, brings dollar 
opera to Portland. 

George Couch, runner-up in Ping 
Pong tournament, 

Harold Mann now managing 
^Screen— Addettes--= agency-=^= 

Eddie Hudson again in town 
now with Paramount exchange. 

George Sammls, boss of state 
liquor stores, crying about sales : 
Says the bootlegger is getting 75% 

o f the biz. -. 

Floyd Maxwell, former Fox- west 
Coast district manager, becoming 
ambitious. Plans to run for Secre 
tary of - State. 

Leonard Kaufman now one of 
the hi shots of the Hollywood 
Jockey Club. They have Installed 
direct wires on all sporting events, 



Private Zoo Bankrupt 

St. Paul, April 2. 
Question of the validity of 
$9,740 mortgage .held by Mrs. Roy 
C. Jones against , the Longfellow 
Gardens, zoo outside the city limits, 
may . have to be decided; by the U. S 
Supreme Court,, according to Fed- 
eral Judge Gunnar B. Nordbye of 
this districts 

At present the zoo's iproperties are 
Under jurisdiction of the U. S 
Court. iii a .bankruptcy proceeding 
The referee, in bankruptcy listed the 
$5,74Q mortgage as ah unsecured 
claim, but Judge Nordbye ruled 
was a secured claim and as such 
had preference in the bankruptcy 
proceedings. Hence the present' 
impasse. 



WAX WORKS BURNED 

Baltimore, April 2 
Blaze on Friday (30) destroyed 
John T. ('The Fixer') McCaslin' 
warehouse of wax effigies, together 
With tents, costumes, circus trap 
pings, . carney gear and a deep-sea 
exhibit. 

McCaslin, vet showman- here 
abouts, had stored stuff after 
shrouding his loop dime museum 
earlier this year. Had intended re- 
opening on. grounds of Carlin's 
Park- when the - outdoor season 
opened. Loss estimated at. $3,600. 



Ringling-B. & B. Circus 



EASTON KEEPS ON 

Easton, Pa., April 

•Despite the heavy loss suffered by 
Quakertowh Fair last, year because 
of the had weather during practi- 
cally the entire fair week, th<e direc- 
tors at a meeting decided to con- 
tinue the fair this year, during the 
week of August 21. 

Following officers were elected: 
Frank G. Shelly, president; E. K. 
Hlnrierschitz, vice president; Robert. 
Biehn, treasurer; Paul A. Stoneback, 
secretary. 



TEXAS SUMkEE 

Galveston, April 2. 
Formal opening of beach season 
set for May 6, although most of con- 
ce ssions -wen t l J h to. action ..Easter 



Sunday. Rayburn E. Boweh, man- 
ager of street railway company, 
elected president Galveston. Beach 
Association to succeed J. S. Gaidb. 



CIRCUS ROUTES 

A I G. 

Puntft Ana. Cal., .2; .';i 
ItlverHldc;. 4; Alhambra, 0; 
Ivos Anpcles, 7-10. 

ingling Bros.- Barnum-Bailey 

New York, 2. Indoflnlte. 



'The circus is always the circus' 
asserted a thoroughbred of the 
saw-dust ring, and the big top of 
them all is the Ringling outfit. 
Plenty of newcomers in the line-; 
up, mostly from, abroad. .There are 
80 more performers with the out-i 
fit, a majority of whom constitute 
aerial and riding acts either Abut- 
ting over here or fresh with .-the 

Madison Square Garden was 
turned over- to the circus at four 
m. Thursday (29) arid 12 hours 
later the track was laid^ platforms 
and rings installed . and most of the 
maze of rigging which the- new 
acts require, was aloft. That was a 
fast job 'but with some featured 
turns not on the. lot until Friday 
(30) morning no rehearsal could' be 
held. Instead, the performance 
started that evening . at eight ^and 
the cannon act boomed the finale at 
five minutes before midnight. '■ 

Hitting a fast pace the perform- 
ance slowed up in the middle. That 
portion included the. .wild, west 
group, the seals acts and the statue 
display. Lattef is dolled up - in dia- 
mond, dust this season and is neater 
all around, placards being out. 

Clyde Beatty on. early as usual ito 
save , time of erecting the cage : was 
said to be working the big. cats 
publicly for the. first time in months 
but the crack' animal tiirri went 
along without delay- Perhaps- the 
beasts were a bit . lethargic : and 
Beatty didn't atteriipt to steam- them 
up!-- Beatty's showmanship has .at* 
tracted plenty of attention fr dm the 
outside in the past two yearS but he 
sticks to the .circus and retui'ns to 
the Wallace show. 

The aerial displays, are doubly 
strengthened. . The single special; 
ists group are featured by two im-f 
ports, Mile. Gillette arid the upside a 
down Merkel, while the Otari' family 
take the center 1 as the feature flierg. 
Latter id given top billing and with 
others are billed over Beatty this 
-season. / " . ' . 

From the highest platf orrri Mile. 
Gillette leaps to a trapeze bar which 
splits in half, the aerialist slipping 
into a double ankle loop, , a break- 
away rope dropping her within,; a 
few feet of the ring— quite a< dlz.zy 
leap.. Merkel works his human fly 
stunt with the use of rubber suction 
devices . attached to the soles of his 
shoes. The group is dolled up by 
the Rooneys, ends being worked by 
the Willos and Torrence and Do- 
lores. Several too familiar aerlal- 
ists, including Lucita Leers', are out 
Riding acts have two generously 
peopled turn's in the Loyal -Repenbk; 
fainily (Fi-ertch-Russlan) and the 
Christian! troupe (Italian), Latter 
has one end ring and the Rleffenachs 
the other, the girls' turn being built 
up too. Rleffenachs were, reported 
going to the Wallace show but stick 
with the Ringllngs. 

The Repenskis joined the Ringling 
Outfit in the middle of last season 
and immediately the v Rleffenachs 
started a : professional rivalry, addi 
ing a flip from one horse to an- 
other. Repenskf made it a two 
horse Sommersault and- now the 
backward leap is to the third horse 
— four horses are used* two running 
tandem, and it is announced as 
four-horse leap to make it seem 
harder. Both acts are nicely cos 
turned. The Christianis, who will 
join the Wallace 6how after the 
Garden date, feature a full back 
twister from one bare b/ack to an 
other. Luccia Christiani does the 
stunt and around the circus . he is 
regarded as the beat acrobatic 
equestrian on the tanbark. 

Aloft again the Otaris attract, at- 
tention by their rigging, electric 
light bulbs marking a Maltese cross. 
Evolutions are two way which 
marks the act from other flying per- 
formances. It is not sensational but 
Is a flash. Well known abroad the 
Otaris were not brought over' until 
it was certain that the Cadonas 
were through as a middle spot flying 
turri. Latter was forced out during 
the Garden date last season When 
Alfredo tore his shoulder muscles 
when performing his sensational 
triple sommersault. , Another flier 
was secured because Alfredo can-r 
not work without dislocating the 
shoulder, and the act going into an- 
other of the Ringling circus prop- 
erles. Take Harrolds and the Con- 
sellos take the ends in the flying 
display. Cancello reputedly can do 
triple but the catch is high on the 
•arms arid is not as effective as the 
Cadona stunt was, latter being a 
wrist catch. 

The Wallenda high wire^ turn ar- 
rived late from abroad but reported 
on time. Uecause of the Otari rig- 
ring the. Wallendas were moved 
towards the end but soloed as usual. 
Finale stunt is built up, the under- 
standers being on bicycles instead of 
standing on the wire. Looks flos- 
-si cr-ihut^whetharuit 
befofe.is a question because the men 
cannot, jiggle the balancing poles ds 
easily.' 

The crack Con Tolleano, in excel- 
lent form, went through his tight 
wire perfcirrnani-e? with but one 'first 
night miss, which is unusual. -Tie 
■was alone in tho wire exhibit-ion, 
but Maximo is going into thr> .Hhow 
with his eoriv'dy- rWti.rif 1 .. 

Hugo Zaffhini and his cannon ar- 
rived from the workshop, at Tampa 
late but made good his dual stunt. 
'With a brother Victor he sli inside 



the gun barrel and both were cata- 
pulted at the same time, landing in 
the net about 20 feet apart. Hugo 
(the .other .name is not billed) saW 
he practiced the dual flight 16 times 
without a miss. Flight is • made 
lengthwise along the track, the Otari 
rigging interfering with the preylr 
out routine. New stupt is regarded 
uhe show's .thrill. 

The manage group iS dressed In 
irnill tary rigs this season, except for 
Dorothy Herbert and Ella Bradna, 
who is riding ih that display^ Her 
horse was riot shipped from Peru 
and her specialty turn was outr-r-rto 
colored pigeons this season. Tlbors* 
seal acts are about the same and so 
re the liberty horse turns. Two long 
neck women are driven around the 
track, others assigned to the Wal- 
lace and Barnes outfits.. 

The standout, ground acrobatic 
display brings out the largest of the 
family turns — Tfacopi, Danwill, Uye- 
jiq^ T0m Kam and Marcellus troupes, 
with two Arab gangs at the ends 
and around the trafck with tum- 
bling stunts. The perch acts appear 
to be going, the way of the butterfly 
iron jaw turns, there being but two 
in. the outfit. Karl Johns quit after 
the first '. show. His brother fell 
from a perch and died several years 
ago. Elephant display looked the 
same but no name biling. The 
Rubio and Hugony sister acrobatic 
teams are out. 

Samuel W. Gumpertz is again the 
general manager, a. post he was ap- 
pointed to last, season. John Ring- 
ling was not on the lot although he 
was around winter quarters at Sara- 
sota several times. Robert Ringling 
Will be with the outfit, having given 
up the . concert . . platf prm, Fred 
Bradna; freckled by the Florida sun, 
added spurs to his tail coat effect., 
tend blew the whistle as equestrian 
director: - Pat Valdo In charge of 
personnel was one of th? ; busiest of 
the executives and gathered in most 
of th$. foreign talent. They are not 
billed in the program this season,. 
'■'•■' ' Ibed 



Coast Carney, Circus 
Season Swings in Gear 



Los Angeles,. April 2. 
Circus ' and carnival seasons now. 
In full swing in Southern California, 
With four of -the carney outfits gain- 
ing momentum dally, and the. Al <j. 
Barnes circus launched, for another 
toiir, following Its two day break In 
Saturday- Sunday (31-1) at Sah 
Diego. 

■ •Red' Hildebrand carnival got into 
action several weeks ago, with the 
Kraft Shows debutting last week In 
San. Diego, and Mel Voke's outfit 
starting at Glendale. Clark's Greater 
Shows got away to a good start (29) 
at Merced, Cal., where outfit Is 
pitched for seven days. 

Barnes circus plays a week of one 
nights out of San Diego, and opens 
its annual stay here at Washington 
and Hill next Saturday (7). 



YES AND NO 

Reading, Pa., April- 2. 
That attempt by the Reading Fair 
Company to put Its Fair in the edu- 
cational class, suffered a severe set- 
back at the hands of the Berks 
County Commissioners, Recently 
another Pennsylvania county court 
judge declared fairs were educa- 
tional, and remitted taxes on the 
educational pqrtlon of the fair under 
consideration in "his county.' This IS 
all 'hooey,' apparently, to the* Berks 
county commissioners, who ruled, 
that the $125,000, assessment 'for 
taxation must Stand. The fair com- 
pany how threatens to go to court, 
to test further its claim that an 
educational enterprise, cannot be 
taxed. 



TENTS IN N. C. 

Charlotte, N. C«. April .2. 
Charlotte is well fixed with, small 
circuses for April. Fred C. Kilr 
gore, contracting aeent for Dowhle 
Brothers has been and gone with. 
April 6 set as Down ie show . date. 
Paper is.- up- for Barnett Brothers 
to follow three, days behind, -9. On 
April 1-2 the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars will open a. spring frolic rriade 
up entirely of circus acts to play 
indoors, for a. week. One ring.. 



FRISCO'S FIHST CAENEY 

Kan Francisco, April 2. 
■ Alike Krekus' West Coast Shows 
starts- the-— t arny -season - off this, 
week (7) with a 16-day stand on 
tiie Frisco streets under, auspices 
of tho Greek Church. 

Expect to pick up a fair piece of 
change pro Ided good weather 
holds out. 



VARIETY 



Tuesday, April 3* 1934 





Photograph by Hurrell, Hollywood 



Her way to loveliness can be YOUR way, tool 



A versatile lady. . . Norma Shearer! Even in her 
smile she achieves that difficult thing— perfection! 

A nation of admirers has found her charm com- 
pletely irresistible. Her superb artistry, her spirited 
beauty, truly weave a magic spell! 

Perfect, too, her skin— so softly smooth gardenia 
petals cannot equal it! Its delicate transparency 
that thrills you on the screen is guarded carefully 
—with Lux Toilet Soap. , 

*<I find Lux Toilet Soap excellent for the skin,'.' 



Norma Shearer tells you. Actually 9 out of 10 fas-» 
cinating screen stars keep complexions lovely with 
this fragrant, white soap! No wonder it has been 
made the official soap in all the large film studios! 

Broadway stars, too, use Lux Toilet Soap. That's 
why you'll find it in theatre dressing rooms all 
over the country. 

Why don't you try this famous beauty care that 
Norma Shearer uses? For every type of skin—dry* 
oily, "in-between." Begin today! 



RADIO 



SCREEN 



STAGE 




Pabllahed Weekly at IS 4 West 46th St., New York, N. T„ bjr Variety, Inc. Annual fcubscrlptlon, $6. Single copies, IS cents. 
Entered m* seeond-olass Matter December It, 1906, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 1. 1871. 

COrTBIGBT, 19S4, BY VABIBTY, INC. AIX BIGHTS BESEBVKD. 


Toi. 114 No. 4 




NEW YORK, TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1934 


64 PAGES 




FILM OFFENSIVE 



f34 Ghi Fair 7S% 
Adv. 





; Free 
Influence 



Chicago, April 9. 
Concessionaires at the World's 
Fair this summer are putting up a 
howl that things look black for them 
as more and more sponsored free 
attractions hook space on the mld- 
juray. 

" All Indications are .that visitors 
to the Fair are spins to get plenty 
tor nothing, with everything from 
free shows to free, dancing being 
Offered by commercial outfits seek- 
ing free advertising and good will. 
"Unofficial estimates Indicate that the 
Fair will be under the control of 
the commercial sponsors who figure 
to spend, almost 75% of the total 
\ money cost of the Fair buildings 
•'' and entertainment besides taking 
more than 50% of the available 
■pace. 

Which means that the sponsors 
.will outnumber and outspend the 
concessionaires also, having the 

k advantage of that for nothing' 

I! angle. 

Among those set for free spon- 
't sored shows and entertainment are 
c (Continued on page 63) 



Grandma Starlet 



Hollywood, April 9. 

Jean Carman, one of this 
year's crop of Wampas baby 
stars, is a . step- grandmother. 

Starlet Is the wife of Wal- 
ter Lohman, whose daughter, 
Mrs. George Lewis, is the 
mother of an infant child; 





6 Ridder Newspapers 
To Review Pix Only 
From Audience's View 



N.T. Journal of Commerce and six 
other papers in the Bidder News- 
paper string throughout the United 
States have been ordered to stop 
criticism of films immediately. Pic- 
ture critics on all the papers have 
been told to write straight news re 
ports on pictures and include in the 
reviews; audience reactions- but 
nothing further than that by way, of 
criticism. 

Order goes into effect immediately. 
.Ten other papers in the Ridder 
string not affected yet but may fol- 
low suit 

It follows a similar move on the 
Chicago American several, weeks 
ago, although Jess Kreug.er of that 
paper, .new film commentator under 
the new regime, has been noticed 
to be definitely committing himself 
on film values. 



1ST ENGLISH PROD. 
TRY AT A WESTERN 



-Holly woodf=April=9'» 



Bngland will attempt to make a 
western. Hoot Gibson will star in 
the film, which is to be made by 
Warner Brothers' British company. 

_??*rting date is indefinite. Gibson 
■rat returning here to look into ah 

- other-deal. — 1 — — — - 

Hollywood is wondering what the 
English will use for cactus and 
■agebrush. Locale will probably be 
Australia or Canada. 



GOULASH; GBS, 
BARD, ET AL 



Moscow, March 20. 

Alexander Tairoff of the Moscow 
Kamerny Theatre, who is recog- 
nized as one of the most talented 
Soviet theatrical directors, Is work- 
ing on a production of Shakespeare's 
'Anthony and Cleopatra.' Desiring 
to fill the tragedy, with greater 
historical material, Tairoff decided 
to add to Shakespeare's work some 
scenes from 'Caesar and Cleopatra' 
by Bernard Shaw, and some other 
scenes from 'Egyptian Nights,' a 
poem by the Russian poet, Alex- 
ander Poushkin. 

Bold violation of Shakespearean 
traditions such as this gave cause 
to hot discussion of the production. 
Tairoff . asserts that the additional 
material by Shaw and Poushkin will 
greatly assist to develop the real 
intentions of the genial Avon bard. 

Performence is to be staged to- 
wards the end of this season, and 
will be accompanied by musical 
setting. 



GUISE TOT' VIA 
13,000 THEATRES 



Concerted Effort by National 
Catholic Welfare Confer- 
ence to Clean Up Pix— 
Force Campaign Through 
Exhibitors 



NEW APPROACH 



The Committee of Motion Pic- 
tures of the National Catholic Wel- 
fare Conference, of which Arch- 
bishop John T. McNichols of Cin- 
cinnati is chairman, is concerning 
itself, with the moral aspect of pic- 
tures and preparing. to force the is- 
sue via the exhibition end of the 
business. 

This committee has sent to priests 
in all parishes questionnaires ask- 
ing the names of their local thea- 
tres, their owners, and the banks 
with which the theatres do business, 
whether any bond issues or mort- 
(Continued on page 20) 



NO MORE STARS 
IN GERMAN PIX 



COLLEGE PROF. USES AIR 
SCRIPT FOR CLASSROOM 



Seattle, April 9. 

KOMO-KJR 'Pioneers' program 
will go down to posterity. Script in 
the safe-keeping of the Washington 
State Historical Museum in Tacpma. 
It will also be taken into the halls 
of learning for historical study. 

Prof. W. L. Davis of history at 
the College of Puget Sound, Ta- 
cbnia,- last week- asked for- and-was 
granted two copies of every script 
for the two-year-old weekly dra- 
matic program which portrays the 
history of the Pacific Northwest. 
One copy gflfiS^to. the. museum _and 
the other to Prof. Davis for class- 
room use. — 

Continuity was given the pro- 
fessor by its owner, the sponsor, 
Peoples Bank & Trust Co. of 
Seattle. , 



Berlin, April 9. 
Latest decree of the president of 
the film chamber, Dr. Scheuermann, 
treats with undue publicity for 
film stars, which is. held to. be in- 
compatible with national socialist 
ideas. 

Dr. Scheuermann criticizes the 
practice of announcing star actors 
apart from other players, saying 
this conveys the impression that 
the. film has been made f br the sake 
of the stars and not for the* sake 
of cultural work. 

This form of announcement .is 
banned. Actors are to be listed ac- 
cording to the importance of their 
parts, and there will be no objection 
to a difference being made between 
chief parts and minor parts, or to 
the printing of ce rtaln. names in 
fat type. But the practice of an- 
nouncing that so and so presents 
such and such in this and that is 
definitely out. 



D; A: (Dramatic Actor) 

>■ • 

San Francisco. April 9. 
After playing stock for a decade 
and doing motion picture work for 
seye_ral niore years, Carlos Tricoli is 
the new assistant district attorney 
here. — 

Tricoli got the d.a. appointment 
this week after some time in the 
foreign consul field. He was in 
stock throughout the country, 



Memphis Would Refute 'Worst Show 
Town' Label with Its Cotton Carney 



Cohan Makes Good 



George M. Cohan on the 
Good Gulf program Sunday 
(8) commented humorously in 
song on the fan mail he gets 
from- radio listeners. 

Most of them want to know, 
'What did you used to do be- 
for you went on the air?' 



CAPITAL'S 25c 
MTERY'S WOW 
TRADE 



Washington, April 9. 

With the town literally overrun 
with new alter.- dark spots. Ging- 
ham Club, local Childs. restaurant 
venture born with repeal, Is about 
the. only one which has 'em stand- 
ing outside in lines every night. 
Secret is keeping down overhead 
and dishing out night club atmos- 
phere at drugstore prices. 

Seating approximately 250, the 
place has a small dance, floor, a 
seven-piece band and canvas awn- 
ings along one side/ Outside of this 
and dolling the waitresses up In 
gingham frocks with low backs and 
big organdy bows, it 'is just like 
any other Childs eatery. 

Entertainment is entirely up to 
Les Colvin and band, with the elg- 
aret girl doubling? in songs. 



WHEN 1 EXHIB PLUGS 

opposisH-rrs news 



Cincinnati, April 9. 
L. B. Wilson, exhib of Covington, 
Ky., startled the town v,hen tie be- 
gan plugging the Strand, his only 
opposish theatre in the downtown 
section of the across-the-i'iver city. 
Irt his three houses Wilson is using 
trailers to announce the reopening 
of the Strand by its original owner, 
Harry Lee, who, the bally continues, 
'Is showing excellent talkie attrac- 
tions, worthy of your support and 
patronage.' Wilson's press ads also 
contain blurbs for the competitive 
cinema. 

The Strand, a 700-seater, has a 
lower p rice r scalg^than Wilson's the- 
atres, located close by. Tt was 
leased and operated by Wilson for 
several years, up to 1932. 

According to Wilson, his motive 
in boosting the Strand is to en- 
courage competition in the™ -view 
that more theatres will increase the 
number of fans in his town. 

Wilson is also pre* of WCKY, 
second most powerful radio station 
la Greater Cincinnati. 



Memphis, April 9. 

^Memphis is trying to throw .off 
stigma of being worst show city 
in staging fourth edition of Cotton 
Carnival this May 16-19. 

City will glorify lint for font days 
by revelry, Mardi Gras of New Or- 
leans being followed for design. 
Also, small doses of World Fair. 
Press agents and publicity galore. 
The citizenry is raising funds to de- 
fray necessary expenses,: such as 
skilled craft, supplies, etc., besides 
extending beaucoup gratis effort. 

The theme v will be Egyptian as 
result of this city's having been 
named for the . less recent Memphis 
of Egypt. Cleopatra and others 
will be reincarnated. 'Streets of 
Cairo' will contain several city 
blocks devoted to pyramids, . varied 
motif exemplification, pitch games, 
and the T>ndson Midway Shows, 
which will break its hibernating in 
Clarksdale, Miss., especially for the 
Meniphls event. 

Languid southerners go for 
Lombardo's liquid strains, so the 
Canadians wilj do for the ball. Ben 
Bernie last year. 

By playing up cotton, Memphis 
drags thousands eaeh May from the 
immediately surrounding territory, 
where people are chiefly Interested 
in cotton— especially in growing it. 

Herb Jennings, now with RKO In 
New York, started the cotton-show 
biz tleup when here as a Loew 
manager. 



Sally Rand, Starting 
At $125, Wants 6G Back 
At the 'St of Paris' 

Chicago, April 9. 

Stating she wanted to show her 
appreciation to 'Streets of Paris' at 
the Fair, wbere she got her big 
start, Sally Rand has offered to play 
the concession again this year for 
a limited number of weeks. 

Wants $6,000 weekly. For this 
amount she will supply 35 girls in 
addition to paying for the p.a. 

Miss Rand got $125 a week at the 
Fair when she started last year. 

TALK STATE-CONTROL 
OF THEATRES IN MINN. 

Minneapolis, April 9. 

State or co-operative member- 
ship of all theatres in Minnesota is 
a prospect as result of the program 
=a.nd,.pTatformuadopted-by^the=Farm— 
Labor party which now is In con- 
trol of the state government. 

The program adopted at the 
state convention and approved by 
Gov. F. B. Olson, who will be a 
candidate for re-election and who 
is believed assured of reflection, 
contemplates the taking over by the 
state, of essential industries and co- 
operative openition of business In 
general, including theatres. 



VARIETY 



PICT IRES 



Tuesday,' April 10, 1934 



Artistic B. 0. Will Come Via Film 
Versions of the Classics— 




Helen Westley, director and ac- 
tress: for, the Theatre Guild first, 
and motion picture act